Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2024-143
https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2024-143
19 Nov 2024
 | 19 Nov 2024
Status: this preprint is currently under review for the journal WES.

Life Cycle Assessment of New Jersey Offshore Wind

Meghann Smith, Nawal Shoaib, and Pankaj Lal

Abstract. As offshore wind gains momentum within US renewable energy goals, New Jersey’s ambitious targets for offshore wind development represent a significant opportunity to reduce emissions and transition towards cleaner energy sources. This study presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a planned offshore wind farm off of New Jersey’s coast, emphasizing the implications of a domestic supply chain. Key findings show the farm is projected to produce 0.0113 kg CO2 per kWh of electricity generated, reflecting a 98 % decrease in carbon emissions compared to natural gas derived electricity. Further, when compared to carbon emissions of other renewable energy technologies, offshore wind outperforms both solar and onshore wind by 81 % and 48 %, respectively. This finding highlights offshore wind’s role in emissions reduction, as well as the importance of a domestic supply chain to mitigate transportation-related impacts. Additionally, results indicate a need to address the environmental trade-offs of offshore, as steel-intensive materials used in turbines and infrastructure contribute heavily to toxicity-related impacts. This research underscores the potential of offshore wind to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and offers insight into the environmental dynamics of offshore wind energy in the US.

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Meghann Smith, Nawal Shoaib, and Pankaj Lal

Status: open (until 31 Dec 2024)

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Meghann Smith, Nawal Shoaib, and Pankaj Lal
Meghann Smith, Nawal Shoaib, and Pankaj Lal

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This research estimates the environmental impact of New Jersey offshore wind under a domestic supply chain using life cycle assessment modelling.
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