Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Airborne Wind Energy and Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines in Türkiye

Abstract

As the global demand for clean and sustainable energy sources continues to rise, the quest for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies becomes increasingly imperative. With growing concerns about climate change and the need to transition away from fossil fuels, understanding the environmental impacts of emerging technologies like Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) is crucial for shaping the future of energy production. This paper presents a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a theoretical AWE plant in Türkiye, comparing it to traditional horizontal axis wind turbines. The study aims to determine the feasibility of installing AWE plants in Türkiye and their environmental impact. Results show that AWE plants use less material and generate electricity with lower impacts than traditional turbines, making them a viable option for renewable energy generation in Türkiye.