The lifespan of a wind farm is currently 25-35 years, typically around 25 years. This is impacted by the amount of load and stress the wind turbine structure is put under by the wind. At the end of its lifespan, a wind farm may:
- continue to operate as it is (usually with some refurbishment)
- be repowered (this requires both the landholder’s consent and planning consents and will depend on whether repowering is commercially viable)
- be decommissioned.
If a wind farm ceases operation for an extended period during the typical lifespan period, regulations require that it be dismantled, and the site returned to the same conditions as it was prior to the wind farm’s construction.
Learn more: Visit How long do wind turbines last? (Energy Follower)
