Wind power with permanent magnets is not sustainable with today’s <i>modus operandi</i> but a number of changes can improve this situation

The presented research rejects the typically held view that wind power is a sustainable energy source. Two key insights support this position. First, the manufacturing of permanent magnets required by most wind turbines today, emits large amounts of greenhouse gases. Second, wind power requires balancing- and backup power and increased grid reserve to reliably secure power to customers. Typically, gas power is used. Combining these two insights, and using the Republic of Ireland as a case study, this paper submits a novel study. The conclusion is that wind power with permanent magnets will not meet the ‘low carbon’ target of 100 kg CO2-eq./MWh set forth as an operational target for sustainability. The wind industry can improve the situation substantially by reusing permanent magnets at least 4 times and balancing wind power with non-fossil, dispatchable power such as nuclear power, hydroelectric power, geothermal power or bio energy.