Wind farms through the lens of sustainability and circularity: Integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions

Abstract

The development of a sustainable energy transition is one of the strategic objectives in Europe, and wind energy plays a key role, as its production capacity has increased significantly in recent decades. However, to verify that wind farm projects are indeed sustainable, it is necessary to apply appropriate methodologies to assess the three pillars of sustainable development: environmental, social and economic. In addition, a comparison with traditional energy resources of fossil origin is necessary, seeking to identify the benefits and challenges associated with these renewable energy alternatives, as well as the study of how wind farms adhere circular economy principles. The idea of this analysis is to avoid past mistakes, such as the depletion of essential resources, for example the depletion of rare elements, used for the construction of renewable energy facilities. It is in this framework that this comprehensive and critical review is developed, with the aim of providing information on the actual production of wind energy in the European context, its potential environmental benefits and effects, the socio-economic constraints and benefits that wind farm projects could bring, as well as the gaps and challenges identified in the value chain. It is hoped that this critical review can be considered as a guide for policy makers, researchers and stakeholders on the main constraints that could slow down wind energy technologies, on the environmental footprint of wind farms and its comparison with fossil energy, on the potentialities of wind projects to increase employment opportunities and economic growth, and on the main concerns of social communities.