Meta-analysis of net energy return for wind power systems
Date
2010
Authors
Kubiszewski, Ida
Cleveland, Cutler
Endres, Peter K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pergamon Press
Abstract
This analysis reviews and synthesizes the literature on the net energy return for electric power generation by wind turbines. Energy return on investment (EROI) is the ratio of energy delivered to energy costs. We examine 119 wind turbines from 50 different analyses, ranging in publication date from 1977 to 2007. We extend on previous work by including additional and more recent analyses, distinguishing between important assumptions about system boundaries and methodological approaches, and viewing the EROI as function of power rating. Our survey shows an average EROI for all studies (operational and conceptual) of 25.2 (n = 114; std. dev = 22.3). The average EROI for just the operational studies is 19.8 (n = 60; std. dev = 13.7). This places wind in a favorable position relative to fossil fuels, nuclear, and solar power generation technologies in terms of EROI.
Description
Keywords
Keywords: Energy cost; Energy return on investment (EROI); Input/output analysis; Meta-analysis; Methodological approach; Net energy; Power ratings; Return on investments; Solar power generation technologies; System boundary; Wind energy; Wind power systems; Electr Energy return on investment (EROI); Input/output analysis; Net energy; Wind energy
Citation
Collections
Source
Renewable Energy
Type
Journal article
Book Title
Entity type
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Restricted until
2037-12-31