A new report from Swedish Wind Energy Association (Svensk Vindenergi) highlights that the climate impact of wind power has decreased by nearly 70% over the past 20 years, thanks to advancements in wind turbine technology. The report compares two wind farms, Birkmose and Blakliden Fäbodberget, using a comprehensive lifecycle analysis (LCA) that considers all emissions—from material extraction to decommissioning and waste management.

Key Findings:

  • Low Emissions: Wind power electricity generates 95% lower carbon emissions compared to natural gas and 98% lower than coal. The transformation of kinetic energy into electricity produces virtually no emissions; instead, emissions occur in other parts of the value chain, such as manufacturing and transportation.
  • Lifecycle Emission Reductions: Modern wind turbines, which are larger and more efficient, have reduced material consumption per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated. This has resulted in a significantly lower climate impact over the lifecycle of wind farms.
  • Variability by Site: While the report underscores the general reduction in emissions, it also notes that specific factors, such as materials used and local wind conditions, can lead to variations in the climate impact of individual wind farms.

Technological Advances Drive Progress:

According to Ylva Tengblad, Sustainability Manager at Svensk Vindenergi, “Two crucial factors for the climate impact of wind turbines are their size and lifespan, as these allow for greater electricity production over time. The more modern the technology, the lower the climate impact. This is an important message for decision-makers and environmental assessment authorities.”

About the Study:

The comparison was conducted by Dalemarken Environmental and Urban Development Consultancy on behalf of Svensk Vindenergi. The data is based on Vattenfall’s lifecycle analysis, which forms the foundation of their Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for wind power. The data was prepared in accordance with international EPD system guidelines and electricity production-specific rules.

Although the portfolio-wide EPD results have undergone third-party review, individual site-specific results have not.

The transition to larger and more advanced wind turbines has brought significant reductions in climate impact per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated. This highlights the importance of adopting cutting-edge technology to ensure wind power remains a sustainable and low-emission energy source.