Environmental impacts of the life turbine cycle in Ceará state (Brazil)

The steady growth of world energy consumption has brought about alternative sources of energy. Wind power plays an important role in this scenario, however little concern has been directed at the impacts generated, as well as the disposal of wind turbine components at the end of their useful life. The objective of this study is to identify the environmental impacts generated by the life cycle of wind turbines in the State of Ceara. The Environmental Impacts Questionnaire of the Wind Turbine Life Cycle was created with 20 objective questions, and this was divided into three blocks: impacts related to the installation, impacts related to the operation and impacts related to the disposal of components. The study was carried out with companies located in Ceará,Brazil, that carry out design, installation and maintenance of wind farms. In all 7 companies voluntarily participated in the study. 57.1% of wind farms are located near residential or environmental preservation areas. Approximately 86% of the projects required the construction of access roads. 57.1% of companies do not recycle discarded equipment or components and 100% of companies have not studied measures to implement recycling policies. It is possible to identify characteristics and factors that generate environmental impacts that could be minimized if preventive measures were taken by the companies in question. Damage to the environment and inherent in wind power generation can be controlled by adhering to policies that prioritize recycling of materials and protection of the environment. (author)