Energy cost and greenhouse gas emissions of a Chinese wind farm

Wind power is considered as one of the most promising renewable energy sources in China. Presented in this study is a life cycle analysis of energy performance and greenhouse gas emission for a typical wind farm in Guangxi, with different stages of manufacturing, transportation, and installation of mechanical components, operation and maintenance, and disassemble and disposal taken into account. Results show that the nonrenewable energy cost and greenhouse gas emission to generate 1 MJ of electricity for the grid are 0.046 MJ and 0.002 kg CO2 equivalent, respectively. In consideration of the dominant power generation technology of coal combustion in China, the nonrenewable energy saving brought about by the concerned wind farm is estimated at 1.22E+7GJ during its twenty year operating period, while the reduced greenhouse gas emissions are as much as 1.03E+06 ton CO2 equivalent. It is believed that this successful example can lend solid support to a future wide use of wind power in China.