Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the Wind Energy Industry

An assessment with special focus on rare earths as an input material to wind turbine manufacturing

Thèse de Bachelor , 2015 , 45 Pages , Note: 1,3

Ingénierie - Technique énergétique

This paper takes into account various effects the use of wind energy has on different levels of the environment. The most promising benefits and pressing challenges will be presented to allow for a differentiated assessment of the sustainability performance of wind energy as a power source. This will also be done in comparison to other forms of energy generation both fossil and renewable ones.

From supply chain perspective, the paper will focus on the supply of rare earths as an input material to wind turbine manufacturing. The reasons for which this is to be considered the most questionable aspect of the supply chain will be explained as well as solutions proposed for how effective supply chain management can help improve the situation.

Table of Contents

List of Abbreviations

List of Figures and Tables

1. Introduction.
1.1. Background motivation and aim of the paper
1.2. Scope of the assessment
1.3. Structure of the paper

2. Sustainability in Supply Chain Management – Literature review.
2.1. Definitions of sustainability
2.2. Motives for sustainable conduct in business
2.3. Sustainability from supply chain perspective

3. The wind energy industry – Case study
3.1. Overview of global wind energy industry
3.2. Functionality of a wind turbine

4. Sustainability in the wind energy industry – Analysis
4.1. Benefits of wind energy
4.1.1. CO2-emissions reduction.
4.1.2. Stable energy prices and bigger autonomy in the long-run.
4.1.3. Decentralisation of energy production.
4.1.4. Advantages of new PMG technology over DFIG.
4.2. Negative aspects about wind energy
4.2.1. Rare earths mining
4.2.1.1. Definition of rare earths and their economic use
4.2.1.2. Supply of rare earths
4.2.1.3. Ecologic and social harm caused by mining in China
4.2.2. Increased need for backup capacity
4.2.3. Increased bird mortality due to wind parks
4.3. Assessment of sustainability performance
4.3.1. Economic sustainability
4.3.2. Social sustainability
4.3.3. Ecologic sustainability

5. Possible solutions to the REE dilemma
5.1. Reduced use of rare earths
5.2. Closed-loop supply chains for permanent magnets
5.3. Biomining of REE.

6. Summary and Conclusion.

Bibliography

Appendices
Appendix A – Anatomy of a DFIG wind turbine
Appendix B – Anatomy of a PMG wind turbine
Appendix C – Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Economic Sector
Appendix D – An overview of PMG and DFIG drive trains
Appendix E – Baotou’s Location in China Map

• Université: University of Applied Sciences Münster (Fachbereich Wirtschaft)
• Note: 1,3
• Auteur: Thomas Hillmann (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2015
• Pages: 45
• N° de catalogue: V455543
• ISBN (ebook): 9783668887459
• ISBN (Livre): 9783668887466
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: Sustainability, Rare earths, Wind energy, renewable, supply chain