Opponents of wind energy like to claim that so much CO2 is "consumed" during the construction of the facilities that the CO2 balance remains negative over the entire lifetime of the wind turbines. But this is not true: The CO2 emissions generated during production are already offset by the low-emission operation after just a few months. Wind turbines are therefore not harmful to the climate, but are rightly considered one of the cleanest sources of energy.
Firstly, it is important to understand that the production of wind turbines, like many other industrial processes, causes CO2 emissions. Energy is required for the production of the steel and concrete parts, the transport of the components to the site, and the assembly of the turbines. The production of individual components such as the tower, nacelle, rotor blades, and other elements accounts for the largest share of CO2 emissions. This is mainly due to the materials used, such as concrete and metals. In comparison, logistics, installation, operation, and maintenance cause significantly lower CO2 emissions, as shown by a study from the German Environment Agency
. Other studies indicate that wind turbines emit significantly less CO2 over their entire lifespan than fossil fuels. In fact, the initial CO2 emissions of a wind turbine are often offset within a few months, depending on the wind frequency at the site.The greenhouse gas balance of wind turbines has been examined in numerous studies by independent research institutes. The results show that the greenhouse gas emissions generated during manufacture and installation can, depending on the wind farm, be offset through the electricity generated by the plant within three to nine months. If the emissions from later dismantling and disposal are taken into account, this period, depending on the study, is between five months and one year. After that, the wind turbines generate green electricity for many years. Assuming a service life of 20 years, the net greenhouse gas effect achieved through electricity generation can, depending on the location and wind availability, correspond to a multiple of the emissions caused by manufacture and disposal. In the cases examined, this factor lies between 40 and 70.
.Wind turbines are virtually emissions-free in operation. They generate electricity from the power of the wind without emitting harmful greenhouse gases. This is one of the main reasons why wind energy is considered a clean and environmentally friendly source of energy. The only emissions that occur during operation are indirect emissions resulting from maintenance and occasional part replacements. However, these emissions are minimal compared to the continuous emissions from energy generation using coal, oil, or gas. Therefore, wind turbines are not environmentally damaging as they can offset the CO2 emissions generated during their manufacture within a few months.
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