Assessing the engineering, environmental and economic aspects of repowering onshore wind energy

Abstract

As onshore wind farms approach the end of their life, critical decisions about their future become imperative. Wind turbine repowering projects encounter multifaceted challenges across economic, engineering, environmental, and social domains. This study critically examines the state of the art in onshore wind repowering on a global scale. The potential of repowering onshore wind to achieve three key objectives is investigated: enhancing energy output, extending operational life, and contributing to net-zero targets. The analyses reveal significant increases in generation capacity through repowering, with benefits extending to local economies and emissions reduction. Additionally, technological advancements such as variable hub heights and wind turbine classes offer optimization opportunities for repowering projects. Challenges such as time-limited consents and financial disincentives prompt an examination of the complexities inherent in these issues and the opportunities they present. The study analyses the complicated interactions of engineering, environmental, and economic factors on a global scale. To overcome these challenges, the study recommends implementing stable financial support mechanisms, streamlining regulations through adaptive energy laws, and enhancing public engagement. Emphasising sustainable practices, the paper calls for clear legislative frameworks focused on wind turbine recyclability and collaborative efforts between the wind industry and communities to ensure environmentally responsible repowering projects.