How Wind Repowering Delivered 86% More Capacity in Denmark's Energy Projects

Gray Frame Corner By Sunita Somvanshi By Sunita Somvanshi

Even though many wind turbines in the United States are decades old, wind power still makes for 10.2% of the country's renewable energy mix.

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According to a Danish research, "wind repowering"—modernizing or swapping out outdated turbines—can greatly increase energy output.

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Repowering was used in 38% of Denmark's wind farms between 2012 and 2019, which resulted in a notable capacity gain.

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Denmark's repowering of wind turbines proved to be efficient, with 86% of the gross extra capacity and 87% of additional turbines achieved.

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Denmark's repowering operations, which have expanded capacity by 576.8 megawatts, demonstrate how much more affordable refurbishment is than new construction.

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The United States installed 14.2 gigawatts of wind capacity in 2020, with over 40 operational repowering sites, behind Denmark's lead.

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Wasted old turbine technology is repurposed to create new EVs, small fluorescent lights, and turbines.

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The technology from outdated turbines is repurposed to create new turbines, electric vehicles, and even small fluorescent lights.

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Modern, higher, and more effective turbines increase total power output while requiring fewer units overall.

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Eric Lantz of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory says community insights are critical to wind energy's future.

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