On average, 1 MW of wind power can offset approximately 2,000 to 2,500 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year. Here's how this estimation is typically calculated:
1. Annual Electricity Generation:
Assume the wind turbine operates at a capacity factor of 35%, which represents the percentage of time it produces electricity relative to its maximum capacity. With a capacity of 1 MW, the annual electricity generation would be:
1 MW x 8,760 hours (hours in a year) x 35% (capacity factor) = 3,066,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
2. Carbon Emissions from Grid Electricity:
The carbon emissions associated with generating the same amount of electricity through conventional means (e.g., fossil fuels) need to be determined. This depends on the grid mix, which varies by region. Let's assume an average carbon intensity of 0.5 kilograms of CO2 per kWh.
Carbon emissions from grid electricity = 3,066,000 kWh x 0.5 kg CO2/kWh = 1,533,000 kilograms of CO2
3. Carbon Offset by Wind Power:
Multiply the carbon emissions from grid electricity by the number of years over which the wind turbine is expected to operate its lifetime. Let's assume a lifetime of 20 years.
Carbon offset by wind power = 1,533,000 kg CO2/year x 20 years = 30,660,000 kg CO2
4. Conversion to Tons:
Convert the carbon offset from kilograms to tons:
30,660,000 kg CO2 / 1,000 (conversion to tons) = 30,660 tons of CO2
Therefore, 1 megawatt of wind power can offset approximately 30,660 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its 20-year lifetime. It's important to note that actual values may vary depending on specific project characteristics and local conditions.
