Harnessing Wind Power For Industrial Sustainability In Greater Kolkata: A Low-Carbon Circular Economy Perspective

Abstract The deployment of wind energy in industrial zones with low to moderate wind potential, such as those surrounding Kolkata, West Bengal, presents an underexplored yet promising opportunity for sustainable development. This research paper develops a spatially explicit framework for integrating wind energy into industrial landscapes of Greater Kolkata, emphasizing circular economy principles and low-wind-speed feasibility. This study also evaluates the feasibility of integrating wind energy into these zones to foster a low-carbon circular economy. We also propose advanced low-wind-speed turbines bladeless oscillation-based systems, for grid stability in the region. The authors also propose a GIS-based GETC model—encompassing Geospatial, Environmental, Technical, and Circularity dimensions—guides site selection across peri-urban clusters. To assess circularity, a novel Circular Economy Performance Index (CEPI) is introduced. The CEPI– GETC integration enables landscape-level planning that aligns technical viability with material recovery and policy compliance. Results highlight optimal zones for turbine deployment, reverse logistics strategies for blade waste, and policy pathways for embedding circularity in regional energy infrastructure. Comparative analysis with solar energy and lifecycle cost assessments inform investment strategies. The framework supports landscape-level decarbonization and contributes to sustainable industrial transitions in emerging economies. Furthermore, the study explores innovative recycling techniques for decommissioned wind turbine components, including microwave-assisted chemical processes using eco-friendly solvents to recover glass fibers—Enhancing circularity outcomes in wind energy systems. While existing literature emphasizes high-wind regions, this research shifts the narrative toward developing economies, examining lifecycle sustainability from installation to decommissioning. By incorporating regional policy frameworks such as West Bengal’s Renewable Energy Policy and showcasing collaborative case studies, the study showcases the importance of stakeholder engagement in fostering a sustainable industrial landscape (Rediff News, 2025). This holistic approach expands the discourse on wind energy viability in suboptimal wind conditions and offers replicable strategies for renewable energy integration in emerging industrial contexts (SENEDS, n.d.).