Potential improvements in the life-cycle performance of support structures for onshore wind turbines – an interview study in Sweden

Paper in proceeding, 2022

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources thanks to its cost-effectivity and sustainability. This paper investigates how construction and maintenance of support structures for onshore wind turbines can be improved. Interviews were performed to identify potential areas for improvement in design, construction, operation, maintenance, and end-of-life. Defects due to poor detailing in design and construction have been recurring and may have important consequences. More structured data collection during the construction stages and more robust inspection protocols can help to ensure adequate life-cycle performance of the support structures. Possibilities to reuse and recycle foundations by the end of the turbine’s operational lifetime, which remain unexploited and unresearched, are also discussed.