Do wind turbines emit more CO₂ than they save?
When wind turbines are manufactured, they do indeed have an environmental impact. In fact, this phase accounts for the highest CO₂e emissions, and additional emissions are generated during transport and installation. However, once in operation, wind turbines produce no greenhouse gas emissions. And at the end of their life cycle? They are more than 90% recyclable.
What is the total carbon footprint of a wind turbine? It depends on many factors, such as the turbine’s size and lifespan, the energy sources used to manufacture its components, the country of production, and so on. According to the IPCC, the average carbon footprint of a wind turbine ranges between 10 and 20 grams of CO₂e per kWh produced. By comparison, fossil gas emits around 400 g CO₂e per kWh, and coal as much as 820 g CO₂e per kWh. A huge difference — and clear evidence that wind turbines perform very well from an environmental perspective.
Source: WIND - FAQ - Ode ; Windturbines zijn milieuvriendelijk, maar klopt dat wel? (engie.be)