Maturity models; circular economy; onshore and offshore wind power plants; green economy
Sustainable development is based on the need to rethink how resources are used in all economic activities. When it comes to the energy sector, more specifically wind energy, the massive use of materials for its development, including raw materials derived from fossil fuels, has motivated the scientific community and authorities to demand paradigm changes. The wind industry's transition to a circular model depends on changes in the management and operational systems of the plants, as well as support from the government. According to the literature, the circular economy applied to the wind energy sector is still incipient. This thesis aims to propose a framework for a circular maturity model for wind power plants. The research method was based on four stages: i) planning, ii) theoretical foundation, iii) conceptual modeling, iv) development of the measurement tool, and v) Validation of the model by specialists. As a result, the model presents five maturity levels (non-existent, initial, intermediate, advanced, and optimized) supported by four dimensions: governance, decommissioning, design, and life extension. The circularity measurement tool also includes circular economy strategies that will guide the actions of managers and owners of wind power plants toward more advanced levels of circularity. Guidelines for applying the model are presented as a way to contribute to the advancement of circular practices in the wind sector.