May 2026

Members’ Successes

Europe’s Repowering Moment: Turning a Maturing Fleet into a Climate
Advantage (ERM)

As industry leaders gathered at WindEurope Madrid 2026, a defining transition is taking shape. Europe’s wind sector is entering a critical maturity phase – one where the greatest gains in renewable power may no longer come from building new assets, but from repowering and responsibly managing the ones already in place.

Across the continent, 26 GW of onshore wind capacity has already exceeded 20 years of operation, and this figure will rise to more than 57 GW by 2030. Much of this capacity sits on Europe’s strongest wind sites with established grid access—making repowering one of the fastest, most cost-effective pathways to expand clean energy generation. Modern turbines can deliver three to four times the output of earlier models, often with fewer units on site. Leveraging existing infrastructure reduces permitting timeframes, cuts delivery risk, and lowers levelised cost of energy by 25–40%. In parallel, communities already accustomed to wind infrastructure are typically more receptive to upgrades—especially when engagement is transparent, proactive, and rooted in local concerns.

Yet the opportunity also carries responsibility. By 2030, Europe could generate 40,000–60,000 tons of turbine blade waste annually. Stakeholders increasingly expect credible circularity strategies, realistic cost and waste-management planning, and recycling pathways that protect both community trust and long-term asset value. The combined repowering and decommissioning market—already valued at USD 9–11 billion—is projected to nearly double by decade’s end. Repowering will be Europe’s fastest route to near-term climate delivery, while responsible end-of-life management will define the sector’s long-term credibility.

As Europe’s wind fleet matures, developers and asset owners need to consider several interrelated factors when evaluating repowering, life extension, or decommissioning: permitting, consenting & regulatory requirements, stakeholder & community engagement, circular economy & waste advisory, end-of-life and repowering strategy, and technical, environmental and HSE factors. Taking a structured approach to these elements can help ensure that repowering and end-of-life decisions support long-term asset value while aligning with climate and sustainability objectives. ERM is already working with clients on repowering assets and is uniquely positioned to help developers navigate the lifecycle shift.

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Airborne wind energy demonstrates on-site clean power potential in
Dutch construction sector (Airborne Wind Europe)

Cutting emissions on construction sites is becoming more urgent, but access to clean electricity remains a major challenge. In many parts of the Netherlands, getting a grid connection can take years, and even then, it may not provide enough power to run modern electric equipment. Early pilot projects are now showing how airborne wind energy (AWE) could offer a practical alternative.

Kitepower, a spin-off from Delft University of Technology, has developed a mobile system that generates electricity using tethered kites flying at higher altitudes, where the wind is stronger and more consistent than at ground level. By accessing these wind resources, the system can produce renewable electricity in locations where conventional solutions are limited or unavailable.

The system is designed to be simple, compact, and flexible. It fits inside a standard 20-foot container, can be set up in about an hour, and stores the electricity it produces in a battery. This allows construction sites to use power when they need it, without relying on the grid or diesel generators. The mobility of the system also makes it particularly suitable for temporary or constantly changing construction environments.

Since 2025, the system has been tested at two construction sites in the Netherlands. The first pilot was carried out with Dura Vermeer on the Mekante Diek project, followed by a second pilot with Mobilis TBI on the Groene Warden project. These projects provided an opportunity to test the system under real working conditions.

In both cases, the system was able to supply clean electricity directly on-site. This reduced the need for diesel generators and helped lower emissions such as CO₂ and NOx. Beyond the technical results, the pilots also provided practical insights into permitting processes, logistics, and how the system can be integrated into everyday construction work without disrupting operations.

These results come at a critical moment for the sector. Many construction sites are temporary, remote, or constantly moving, making it difficult to rely on fixed infrastructure like the grid. At the same time, environmental regulations are becoming stricter, increasing the need for cleaner, and more flexible energy solutions that can be deployed quickly and efficiently.

This technology is especially relevant as Europe navigates the pressures of global energy markets. Developed and built in Europe, it strengthens the continent’s energy sovereignty and resilience, while contributing to a cleaner, and more sustainable future.

The pilots mark the first real-world demonstrations of airborne wind energy in the construction sector. They show how mobile, and off-grid renewable systems can help solve practical energy challenges on-site, moving the technology from concept to application. Further deployments are expected to build on these results and continue testing the system across a wider range of conditions.

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