Why Is Repowering Onshore Wind Important?

In the second of our papers addressing topical issues of the day, Neil Collar and Keith Patterson discuss the key issues about repowering onshore wind farms, including EIA and consenting considerations.

The early wind farms in the UK came into operation in the mid/late 1990s. Between 2020 and 2025, those early wind farms will reach their 25th anniversary. From 2025 onwards, the number of 'maturing' wind farms will increase.

If renewable energy targets continue to be part of government policy, it is important to consider repowering existing wind farm sites, otherwise decommissioning will reduce the amount of renewable energy, which will need to be replaced by developing new sites.