The future of onshore wind decommissioning in Scotland
The latest findings on the decommissioning of turbines in Scotland, capturing the latest progress and innovations.
Why this is important?
Onshore wind is a key element in Scotland’s transition to renewable energy, providing a significant portion of our generation capacity. Wind turbines have an average lifespan of 25 years meaning many of the first turbines installed are now at the end of their life-span, with the decommissioning of old turbines growing at scale in Scotland.
As Scotland moves towards a circular economy, this creates a significant opportunity for Scotland as used parts become available as a local resource for remanufacturing.
Zero Waste Scotland’s ‘The future of onshore wind decommissioning in Scotland’ report provides projections for the number of onshore wind turbines in Scotland that will be decommissioned up to 2050. This forecasting shows what materials will be available, when, and what end of life options offer the greatest value at the lowest carbon cost.
Key findings
- Between 2025 and 2050, it is estimated that there could be more than 5,600 turbines that will be decommissioned.
- Over the next 25 years, up to 1M tonnes of steel and significant amounts of other materials will be reclaimed from decommissioning.
- The adoption of Circular Economy practices could help meet Scotland’s future demand for materials and create value in excess of £200 million.
Conclusions – What does the circular economy mean for onshore wind?
- 35% embodied carbon saving if new turbines are manufactured using recycled content;
- Solutions such as refurbishment and reuse will create circular skills and jobs;
- Scalable opportunity with offshore wind growth;
- Safeguards against future shortages of critical materials;
- Reduces industry carbon impact.
Downloads
The Future of Onshore Wind Decommissioning in Scotland report was first published in 2021.
We have undertaken to update the previous version on the back of recent policy changes, such as the signing of the Onshore Wind Sector Deal, as well as industry progress on circularity as illustrated in the recently published Scottish Government report ‘Waste Reprocessing Infrastructure in Scotland’
Infographic
