A Macro-Level Decision Analysis Of Wind Power As A Solution For Sustainable Energy In The Usa

Keywords

life cycle assessment; Monte Carlo simulation; multi-criteria decision-making; triple bottom line; wind energy

Abstract

This study aims to quantify the socio-economic and environmental impacts of producing electricity by wind power plants for the US electricity mix. To accomplish this goal, all direct and supply chain-related impacts of different onshore and offshore wind turbines are quantified using a hybrid economic input-output-based triple bottom line (TBL) life cycle assessment model. Furthermore, considering TBL sustainability implications of each onshore and offshore wind energy technology, a multi-criteria decision-making tool which is coupled with Monte Carlo simulation is utilised to find the optimal choice of onshore and offshore wind energy. The analysis results indicate that V90-3.0 MW wind turbines have lower impacts than V80-3.0 MW for both socio-economic and environmental indicators. The Monte Carlo simulation results reveal that when environmental issues are more important than socio-economic impacts, V90-3.0 MW offshore is selected among the alternatives.

Publication Date

11-26-2015

Publication Title

International Journal of Sustainable Energy

Volume

34

Issue

10

Number of Pages

629-644

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1080/14786451.2013.854796

Socpus ID

84938548546 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84938548546

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