Posters

Abstract

Scattered across Greece, dozens of early wind turbines from the late 1980s and 1990s now sit unused. Some have been taken down, others rust on remote ridges and islands, and many go unnoticed. Once hailed as symbols of Europe’s clean energy ambition, these outdated turbines now represent a lingering challenge: they’re too old to run efficiently, too costly to upgrade in place, but too important—technologically, environmentally, and symbolically—to ignore. This paper casts these “forgotten turbines” as a compelling example of why Europe must rethink how it handles aging wind infrastructure. Options like relocating them to emerging markets sound practical, but often just shift the burden of obsolete tech. Recycling is advancing, but still faces hurdles in cost, infrastructure, and regulation. Beyond these lies a less explored but promising route: creative repurposing. Could these machines become educational tools, community landmarks, or cultural artifacts, preserving the legacy of Europe’s early renewable efforts? The Greek case offers both a warning and a window of opportunity. Without new strategies, similar forgotten sites will emerge across Europe as more turbines reach end-of-life. The study argues that managing these assets takes more than logistics—it requires a shift in thinking that includes circular economy principles, reuse innovation, and cultural value. These turbines aren’t failures—they’re milestones. They tell stories of bold beginnings, aging technologies, and the need for thoughtful, comprehensive strategies in a maturing wind sector. How Europe responds will show whether the transition is just about power—or also about purpose.