The wind energy value chain:
Step 5: End-of-life

How do you extend a wind turbine's lifespan and manage its end-of-life sustainably?

Wind turbines are designed to last at least 20 years. They may work beyond their estimated service life if properly maintained but will, at some point, need to be decommissioned and become waste or input materials for new production processes. 

Extend the turbine's life 

Combining the expertise of our materials, simulation and inspection staff, we can advise on how and when to extend the lifetime of an older wind installation. 

We can calculate when reparations can pay off and when it makes sense to replace parts and compare the environmental impact of different solutions. 

Get guidance on proper dismantling and distribution of decommissioned materials 

85-90% of dismantled wind turbines can be reused in another form, including towers, foundations, generators and gearboxes. These parts consist of concrete, steel and cast iron which are easy to recycle and resell into the circular economy market. 

Recycling is more complex for the composite materials in the turbine blades. Different methods exist for treating blade waste, with cement co-processing being the most widely used. We can help you ensure the wind turbine is safely dismantled and advise which parts can be reused. 

Fast, flexible, agile and ready to adapt

Our interdisciplinary team delivers ultimate quality. With more than 1,000 employees across 30 offices in 6 countries and a dedicated local partner network, we are a market leader in specialist consultancy, testing, inspection and training.