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

Dutta, Sharmistha De; Dutta, Shantanu

doi:10.2478/jlecol-2026-0009

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.).

References

AGGRP (2025, April 3). Energy Statistics India 2025: Tabled India’s critical energy potential. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://aggrp.in/energy-statistics-india-2025-tabled-indias-critical-energy-potential.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ahmed, S. D., Al-Ismail, F. S., Shafiullah, M., Al-Sulaiman, F. A., & El-Amin, I. M. (2020). Grid integration challenges of wind energy: A review. IEEE Access, 8, 10857–10878. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2964896.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Aisyah, B. N., Baskoro, D. P. T., & Murtilaksono, K. (2022). Pendugaan Erosi Tanah dan Perencanaan Tutupan Lahan Hulu DAS Jeneberang, Sulawesi Selatan. Jurnal Ilmu Pertanian Indonesia, 27(2), 302–310. https://doi.org/10.18343/jipi.27.2.302.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Badea, N., & Vlad, C. (2025). Empirical life cycle analysis (LCA) of wind turbines. Discover Applied Sciences, 7(6), 580 https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07052-8.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Basack, S., Podder, S., Dutta, S., & Lucchi, E. (2025). Performance Analysis and Numerical Modeling of Mechanical and Electrical Components in a Rooftop Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine. Energies, 18(7), 1-29 https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071623.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Basack, S., Dutta, S., & Saha, D. (2022). Installation and performance study of a vertical-axis wind turbine prototype model. Sustainability, 14(23), 16084 https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316084.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Behabtu, H. A., Vafaeipour, M., Kebede, A., Berecibar, M., Van Mierlo, J., Fante, K. A., Messagie, M., & Coosemans, T. (2023). Smoothing Intermittent Output Power in Grid-Connected Doubly FedInduction Generator Wind Turbines with Li-Ion Batteries. Energies. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16227637.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bilgili, M., Tumse, S., Tontu, M., & Şahin, B. (2021). Effect of Growth in Turbine Size on Rotor Aerodynamic Performance of Modern Commercial Large-Scale Wind Turbines. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 46, 7185–7195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-021-05364-6.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bitner-Gregersen, E., et al. (2018). Comparison of wind and wave climate in open sea and coastal waters. Ocean Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.OCEANENG.2018.10.016.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Borah, U., Jain, C., & Sane, R. (2025). Pumped Storage Plants in India: Assessing Policies and Progress (No. 12). https://trustbridge.in/work/pumped-storage-plants-in-india-assessing-policies-and-progress.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bhushan, C., Bhati, P., Sreenivasan, P., Sing, M., Jhawar, P., Koshy, M. S., & Sambyal, S. (2019). The State of Renewable Energy in India. Centre for Science and Environment: New Delhi, India.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Climate Samurai. (n.d.). West Bengal – Renewable energy developments and updates. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://climatesamurai.com/tag/west-bengal/.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Marrison, K. (2007). Research Methods in Education. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315158501-17
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Central Pollution Control Board. (n.d.). CEPI technical reports. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://cpcb.nic.in/cepi-technical-reports/.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Delfos Energy. (n.d.). Reuse, recycling and disposal of wind turbine parts: An investigation into industry practices. https://www.delfos.energy/blog-posts/reuse-recycling-and-disposal-of-wind-turbine-parts-an-investigation-into-industry-practices.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Diez-Cañamero, B., & Mendoza, J. (2023). Circular economy performance and carbon footprint of wind turbine blade waste management alternatives. Waste Management, 164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2023.03.041
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Durgadevi, G., Nalawade, M. K., Sharma, K., Nishanthi, N., Shnain, A. H., Sutar, V., & Sujatha, M. S. (2024). Integration of Energy Storage with Wind Power Conversion Systems: Enhancing Grid Stability. In E3S Web of Conferences, 591, 02004. EDP Sciences.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
DST-CPR. (2025). Energy transition in West Bengal: Progress, challenges, and policy insights. Department of Science and Technology – Centre for Policy Research. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://dstcpr.niser.ac.in/documents/publications/2025/reports/Energy%20Transition%20in%20West%20Bengal.pdf.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (n.d.). Circularity indicators methodology. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://content.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/m/77e62bc9924c20d0/original/Circularity-Indicators-Methodology.pdf.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ganvir, P., Karthikeyan, G., & Balamurugan, M. (2022). Design and analysis of spiral wind turbine with various wind speeds. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), 9(3), 2073–2077. https://www.irjet.net/archives/V9/i3/IRJET-V9I3379.pdf.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gode, P. R., & Aspelund, A. (2024). Addressing heterogeneity in the development of circular economy strategies in the offshore wind industry: A review. Heliyon, 10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon2024.e39577.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Government of West Bengal, Department of Power & Non-Conventional Energy Sources. (2012). Renewable energy policy of West Bengal. Government of West Bengal. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://www.wbgedcl.in/renewable-energy-policy-of-west-bengal/.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hamdan, H., Dol, S. S., Gomaa, A. H., Al Tahhan, A. B., Al Ramahi, A., Turkmani, H. F., Alkhedher, M., & Ajaj, R. (2023). Experimental and numerical study of novel vortex bladeless wind turbine with an economic feasibility analysis and investigation of environmental benefits. Energies, 17(1), 214. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010214.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hasheminezhad, A., Nazari, Z., Yang, B., Ceylan, H., & Kim, S. (2024). A comprehensive review of sustainable solutions for reusing wind turbine blade waste materials. Journal of Environmental Management, 366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121735.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Heng, H., Meng, F., & McKechnie, J. (2021). Wind turbine blade wastes and the environmental impacts in Canada. Waste Management, 133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2021.07.032.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
IEA Wind TCP. (2026). Circular economy for wind supply chains (Technical Report). International Energy Agency. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://iea-wind.org/publications.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Immendoerfer, A., Tietze, I., Hottenroth, H., & Viere, T. (2017). Life-cycle impacts of pumped hydropower storage and battery storage. International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering, 8, 231–245. https://doi.org/10.1007/S40095-017-0237-5.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
International Organization for Standardization. (2024). ISO 59020:2024 – Circular economy — Measuring and assessing circularity performance. ISO. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://www.iso.org/standard/80650.html.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Jasińska, D., & Dutkiewicz, M. (2025). Waste Management of Wind Turbine Blades—A Review of Recycling Methods and Applications in Cementitious Composites. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030805.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Jensen, J., & Skelton, K. (2018). Wind turbine blade recycling: Experiences, challenges and possibilities in a circular economy. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RSER.2018.08.041.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Jinying, L., Sisi, L., & Wu, F. (2020). Research on carbon emission reduction benefit of wind power project based on life cycle assessment theory. Renewable Energy, 155, 456–468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.03.133.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Klemeš, J., Foley, A., You, F., Aviso, K., Su, R., & Bokhari, A. (2023). Sustainable energy integration within the circular economy. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.113143.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kio, P., & Anumba, C. (2024). Circularity: a workflow for reusing waste wind turbine blades. Built Environment Project and Asset Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-07-2023-0137.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Krochmalny, K., Wnukowski, M., Hardy, T., Czerep, M., & Rusin, M. (2025). Characterization of the products from waste wind turbine blades thermal utilization. Journal of Ecological Engineering, 26(5). https://doi.org/10.12911/22998993/199466.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Leon, M. (2023). Recycling of wind turbine blades: Recent developments. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogsc.2022.100746.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Liu, P., & Barlow, C. (2017). Wind turbine blade waste in 2050. Waste Management, 62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2017.02.007.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mahela, O. P., & Shaik, A. G. (2016). Comprehensive overview of grid interfaced wind energy generation systems. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 57, 260-281 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.12.048.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Manwell, J. F., McGowan, J. G., & Rogers, A. L. (2010). Wind energy explained: theory, design and application. John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119994367.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mendoza, J., Gallego-Schmid, A., Velenturf, A., Jensen, P., & Ibarra, D. (2022). Circular economy business models and technology management strategies in the wind industry. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112523.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mendoza, J., & Ibarra, D. (2023). Technology-enabled circular business models for the hybridisation of wind farms. Sustainable Production and Consumption. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2023.01.011.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mendoza, J., & Pigosso, D. (2023). How ready is the wind energy industry for the circular economy? Sustainable Production and Consumption. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2023.10.016.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. (n.d.). Physical progress (achievements). Government of India. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://mnre.gov.in/en/physical-progress/.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
NITI Aayog. (n.d.). India Climate and Energy Dashboard (ICED). Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://iced.niti.gov.in/.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Oswal, P. (2018). Bladeless Wind Turbine. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology, 6, 2549–2553. https://doi.org/10.22214/IJRASET.2018.3576.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Panda, S., Dash, K., Ranjan, R., Bhoi, A., & Das, J. (2017). Design of a bladeless wind turbine. International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (IJSDR), 2(4), 187–190. Retrieved from https://www.ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR1704028.pdf.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Podder, S., Basack, S., & Dasgupta, A. (2025). Installation and experimentation of a vertical axis wind turbine for domestic purpose. In Proceedings of the 39th Indian Engineering Congress: Irresistible India—a Global Engineering Powerhouse, Kolkata, India, April 2025.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Podder, S., & Basack, S. (2024). Vertical axis wind turbine for domestic applications. In Proceedings of the Indian Engineering Congress 2023, Jabalpur, India, January 2024.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Press Information Bureau. (2025, March 29). Release of publication “Energy Statistics India 2025”. Government of India. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116510.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Rediff News. (2025, February 12). West Bengal aims for 20% renewable energy by 2030. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://money.rediff.com/news/market/west-bengal-aims-for-20-renewable-energy-by-030/22145520250212.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ribnitzky, D., Berger, F., Petrović, V., & Kühn, M. (2024). Hybrid-Lambda: a low-specific-rating rotor concept for offshore wind turbines. Wind Energy Science. https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-9-359-2024.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Royuela, D., Martínez, J. D., López, J. M., Callén, M. S., García, T., Verdejo, R., Murillo, R., & Veses, A. (2024). Pursuing the circularity of wind turbine blades: thermochemical recycling. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 181, 106657. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2024.106657.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
SENEDS. (n.d.). Wind energy in West Bengal. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://seneds.com/wind-energy-in-west-bengal/.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Shafiee, M. (2024). Circular Economy and Autonomous Remanufacturing for End-of-Life Offshore Wind Turbines. In Fera, M. et al. (Eds.), Advances in Remanufacturing (IWAR 2023). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-52649-7_28.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Shen, Y., Sarkodie, E. A., & Zhu, Y. (2023). Recycling and recovery of fiber-reinforced polymer composites for end-of-life wind turbine blade management. Green Chemistry, 25(23), 9644–9658. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3GC03479H.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Song, J.-L., Li, J.-W., & Flay, R. G. J. (2020). Field measurements and wind tunnel investigation of wind characteristics at a bridge site in a Y-shaped valley. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 202, 104199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jweia.2020.104199.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Spini, F., & Bettini, P. (2024). End-of-Life wind turbine blades: Review on recycling strategies. Composites Part B: Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111290.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sproul, E. G., Khalifa, S. A., & Ennis, B. L. (2024). Environmental and Economic Assessment of Wind Turbine Blade Recycling Approaches. ACS Sustainable Resource Management, 2(1), 39–49. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssusresmgt.4c00256.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Tamura, Y., Suda, K., Sasaki, A., Iwatani, Y., Fujii, K., Ishibashi, R., & Hibi, K. (2001). Simultaneous measurements of wind speed profiles. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 89, 325–335. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-6105(00)00085-4.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Tayebi, S., Sambucci, M., & Valente, M. (2024). Waste Management of Wind Turbine Blades: A Comprehensive Review. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114517.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
The Plurals News Network. (2024, September 21). West Bengal has potential to become India’s new powerhouse of renewable energy: Study. Telegraph India. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/events/west-bengal-has-potential-to-become-indias-new-powerhouse-of-renewable-energy-study/cid/2049503.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Tyurkay, A., Kirkelund, G., & Lima, A. (2024). State-of-the-art circular economy practices for end-of-life wind turbine blades. Sustainable Production and Consumption. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2024.03.018.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ullah, F., Zhang, X., Khan, M., Mastoi, M. S., Munir, H. M., Flah, A., & Said, Y. (2024). A comprehensive review of wind power integration and energy storage technologies for modern grid frequency regulation. Heliyon, 10(9), e30466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30466.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. (2024). Guidelines for measuring circular economy: Part A – Conceptual framework, indicators and measurement framework. United Nations. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://unece.org/statistics/publications/guidelines-measuring-circular-economy-part-conceptual-framework-indicators
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Velenturf, A. (2021). A Framework and Baseline for the Integration of a Sustainable Circular Economy in Offshore Wind. Energies. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175540.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Venkatramakrishnan, R., Pandey, J. K., Mondal, A. K., & Karn, A. (2020). Low speed wind turbines for power generation: A review. https://semarakilmu.com.my/journals/index.php/fluid_mechanics_thermal_sciences/article/view/3766.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Vestas Wind Systems A/S. (2020, October 6). Vestas introduces low-wind variant suited for India’s wind market and expands its production footprint in the country [Press release]. Vestas. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://www.vestas.com/en/media/company-news/2020/vestas-introduces-low-wind-variant-suited-for-india-s-w-c3211237.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Vestas Wind Systems A/S. (2021). Life cycle assessment of electricity production from an offshore V236-15 MW wind plant. Aarhus, Denmark: Vestas Wind Systems A/S. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://shorturl.at/PGP4n.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wang, B., Chen, G., Dong, Y., Guo, H., Widenmeyer, M., Huang, Z., Zhou, Y., & Weidenkaff, A. (2025). Wind turbine blade recycling for greener and sustainable wind energy. Nature Reviews Materials, 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-025-00797-z.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation Limited. (n.d.). Renewable energy policy of West Bengal. Government of West Bengal. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://www.wbgedcl.in/renewable-energy-policy-of-west-bengal/.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation Limited. (2012). Renewable energy policy of West Bengal. Department of Power & Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Government of West Bengal. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://www.wbgedcl.in/renewable-energy-policy-of-west-bengal/.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
West Bengal New and Renewable Energy Development Agency. (n.d.). Official website. Government of West Bengal. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://nres.wb.gov.in.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency. (n.d.). About WBREDA. Government of West Bengal. Retrieved October 26, 2025, from https://www.wbreda.org/.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article

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

Abstract

Paradigm

My account