260 tonnes whoa. Wonder what the entire lifecycle costs look like for such a turbine. Is it sent for recycling after being decommissioned? Carbon and resource lifecycle costs for renewables are so complex and this article on steel makes me think even more. This whole topic is super interesting.
Great stuff Melanie. Fascinating topic, especially given our ability to use wood instead of steel in some buildings. I do also worry that a lot of Glenbrook’s electricity is generated from coal at Huntly down the road.
One way to use less steel would be to keep things going rather than replace with the new model; ie maintain and repair. I’m thinking of vehicles and appliances; reduce demand therefore production which admittedly will require new attitudes to the design.
If we could reduce our dependency on electronics in favour of mechanical systems so that repair is possible, there would be new work for repair shops all across the country.
Finally catching up on your write-ups and really enjoyed this piece - it must have taken quite a bit of research to get such a good overview, thanks Melanie!
Thank you Melanie.I loved your article about concrete and now today, the one about steel.
Many thanks for your work.
Warm regards
Mimi Irwin
260 tonnes whoa. Wonder what the entire lifecycle costs look like for such a turbine. Is it sent for recycling after being decommissioned? Carbon and resource lifecycle costs for renewables are so complex and this article on steel makes me think even more. This whole topic is super interesting.
Great stuff Melanie. Fascinating topic, especially given our ability to use wood instead of steel in some buildings. I do also worry that a lot of Glenbrook’s electricity is generated from coal at Huntly down the road.
Interesting thanks Melanie.
One way to use less steel would be to keep things going rather than replace with the new model; ie maintain and repair. I’m thinking of vehicles and appliances; reduce demand therefore production which admittedly will require new attitudes to the design.
If we could reduce our dependency on electronics in favour of mechanical systems so that repair is possible, there would be new work for repair shops all across the country.
Finally catching up on your write-ups and really enjoyed this piece - it must have taken quite a bit of research to get such a good overview, thanks Melanie!