A Framework and Baseline for the Integration of a Sustainable Circular Economy in Offshore Wind

Circular economy and renewable energy infrastructure such as offshore wind farms are often assumed to be developed in synergy part of sustainable transitions. Offshore is among the preferred technologies for low-carbon energy. Deployment forecast accelerate over ten times faster than onshore between 2021 2025, while first generation turbines about decommissioned. However, growing scale brings new sustainability challenges. Many challenges circular economy-related, increasing resource exploitation competition underdeveloped end-of-use solutions decommissioned components materials. not yet commonly systematically applied wind. a whole system approach aiming make better use products, materials throughout their consecutive lifecycles. The purpose this study enable integration into design, development, operation management infrastructure. This will require holistic overview potential strategies that apply wind, because focus on no, or subset of, would open sector risk unintended consequences, replacing carbon impacts with water pollution, short-term private cost savings long-term bills taxpayers. starts systematic review literature basis coproduction framework embed lifecycle infrastructure, resulting eighteen strategies: design economy, data information, recertification, dematerialisation, waste prevention, modularisation, maintenance repair, reuse repurpose, refurbish remanufacturing, lifetime extension, repowering, decommissioning, site recovery, disassembly, recycling, landfill re-mining. An initial baseline each strategy included. application transferability other sectors, oil gas discussed. article concludes an agenda research innovation actions take by industry government.