Abstract
This article studies the first offshore German windfarm, alpha ventus, in the German exclusive economic zone. Alpha ventus is analyzed through life cycle assessment. This LCA is conducted using four steps: Goal and Scope Definition, Inventory Analysis, Impact Assessment, and Interpretation. These are fairly straightforward steps dealing with identifying the system boundaries, material assessments, defining impact categories, and interpret information.
This assessment concludes that wind technology does not lead to assure electric supply because of changing wind conditions. A switch to offshore energy requires a means for additional energy storage.
This document is related to the Alpha Ventus Project Site.