Europe’s wind energy expansion is accelerating, with installed capacity growing. But as we scale up new projects, we must not lose sight of the first generation of turbines across Europe. Many are reaching the end of their operational life, with tens of gigawatts expected to be decommissioned by 2030.
This growing wave of end-of-life turbines requires a strategic and circular approach. Repowering is a major opportunity. It accelerates renewable deployment while optimising existing sites, grid connections, and infrastructure — delivering higher output with a smaller environmental footprint and strong local acceptance.
The industry must also strive to keep materials and components in use — either by extending lifetimes where appropriate, refurbishing key parts, or dismantling assets in ways that maximise reuse and high-value recycling to minimize external dependencies and reduce environmental impacts.
Managing end-of-life is no longer a niche issue: it is central to a truly circular, sustainable, and competitive European wind industry.
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