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What is repowering a wind farm?
Mis à jour le
March 6, 2026
5
Min reading
Renewable energies are a key aspect of Multiannual energy programming. These means of producing green energy limit the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs), but their recycling raises many questions.
In response, several players have positioned themselves to integrate the renewable energy (EnR) sector into the circular economy. This is in particular the case of Wind energy, whose installations once they reach the end of their life are subject to “repowering”.
What is repowering a wind farm?
Why repower a wind farm?
The installed capacity of wind energy has been growing exponentially over the past several decades. However, the average lifespan of a wind turbine is between 20 and 25 years. Old so-called first-generation wind turbines are therefore reaching the end of their life.
By 2030, it is estimated that approximately 5,700 wind turbines will be dismantled every year. In order to treat the tons of waste produced by this activity, the State subjects operators to circular economy law which requires the treatment and recycling of wind turbines. Developing an industrial sector that gives wind farms a second life is now a priority.
Industry players are also taking advantage of this opportunity to extend the life of sites by setting up repowering projects. Repowering means the total redesign of a wind farm to continue its operation. Operators must provide 50,000 euros for operation for a turbine of 2 MW or less, and 10,000 euros per additional MW. These projects therefore respond to regulatory, economic and environmental challenges.
The hidden (or not) interests behind repowering:
- Increase the energy performance of existing sites, already located in locations optimized for the production of green electricity from wind. Electrical production is increased thanks to three times more efficient machines that are around 3.5 MW in power (compared to 1 to 1.5 MW for 1st generation wind turbines).
- Maximize the operational life of existing sites to reduce operational and installation costs for new wind turbines.
- Ensuring that local authorities/residents benefit fromquieter wind turbines as well as the increase in revenues generated by greater production capacity. Local acceptability is also more favourable to wind projects, which limits disputes/remedies that hinder the development of new sites.
- Harmonizing wind turbine models to create industrial standards and facilitate the maintenance of farms.
- The age of sites allows operators to better value them thanks to the data collected over the last twenty years, in particular wind power, weather conditions, etc.
How does the repowering of a wind farm take place?
Depending on the type of wind turbine, the repowering process differs slightly even if structural and performance criteria remain the main challenges. We distinguish offshore wind turbines (offshore) and onshore ones (on land).
The saline environment in which offshore wind turbines operate accelerates the wear, corrosion and erosion of components (blades, foundations, etc.). Logistics is also more complicated and requires considerable resources for operators. To limit costs, they use partial repowering. Only the parts that affect the performance of the wind turbine are changed: the rotor, the blades, the rotor gearbox...
Onshore wind turbines present much fewer constraints for operators: the network can be quickly adapted to the new installed capacity and inspections are less expensive. It is therefore easier to carry out repowering projects there. The aging wind turbines are completely dismantled either to be replaced by new ones or to make way for a site restoration project.
The recycling of wind turbines
The second-hand wind turbine market
Once dismantled, old wind turbines can be bought by manufacturers like Mywindparts in order to be reconditioned. These players offer two value proposals: the sale of spare parts and the sale of complete used wind turbines.
Thanks to repowering, they can accumulate a considerable stock of spare parts. These are then made available to operators who lack safety stock or need support in their maintenance activities. As there is no standardization of wind turbine models, these actors also allow the maintenance of models that are no longer in production.
Second-hand wind turbines as well as spare parts for obsolete models are exported to countries in Eastern Europe or Africa that are just beginning to develop their wind farms. This is to their advantage because the resale price of a used wind turbine varies between 50 and 30% of the initial price. On the other hand, the recycling of old models remains a problem and is not guaranteed by new buyers outside the European Union.
The valorization of waste
Operators are looking to facilitate the recycling process to reduce as much as possible their carbon and environmental footprint. During the repowering of a wind farm, many components resulting from the dismantling of wind turbines are recyclable waste. ADEME (the Ecological Transition Agency) Believes that more than 90% of a wind turbine is recyclable.
Whether offshore or onshore, a wind turbine is mainly made up of concrete (foundations, masts), metals (foundations, nacelle, generator, etc.), and composite materials (blades).
These are the Blades which represent the biggest challenge in terms of recycling because they are made from composites : carbon and fiberglass are mixed in resin (epoxy or polyester). Currently, the solutions to valorize them are not very virtuous: burial, combustion, urban furniture. The development of ecological resins for the production of 100% recyclable blades is under study but has not yet been completed.
In addition, offshore wind turbines present specific ecological challenges. They use direct drive alternators with permanent magnets made from rare earths (neodymium and dysprosium). This technology significantly reduces generator weight and offshore maintenance costs. Industrial projects are being set up to treat this waste, but they are not currently recoverable.
Continuing to operate existing wind farms while replacing aging wind turbines is repowering an effective strategy. Operators and all actors in the value chain can then benefit from the benefits of repowering.
Although repowering is the initiative of operators, this practice is likely to become commonplace in the coming years because it is very profitable. The integration of waste into the circular economy is at an advanced level but still requires massive investments, both in the innovation of new materials and in the ability of manufacturers to recycle increasing volumes (thousands of tons of concrete, steel and other components).
Industrial processes as well as the experience acquired in the wind energy sector can make it possible to create synergies with other energy production sectors.renewables, in particular solar energy.
To go further, do not hesitate to consult our article on The history of wind energy.
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