Open Access

Roman Zurhold

• Wind energy plays a major role among renewable energies. Its expansion is therefore important in order to achieve the climate targets. Repowering is an important element in the expansion of wind energy. On the one hand, it offers a solution for many wind turbines in Germany that are no longer subsidised due to their age. On the other hand, modern turbines are significantly more powerful and enable more efficient land utilisation. This article provides an overview of the most important aspects of onshore repowering. There is a lot to consider when repowering wind turbines. The legal situation for repowering aims to be improved through simplified authorisation procedures. Even though efforts are being made by the government, there is still room for improvement. The repowering potential is also dependent on the various distance regulations to residential buildings in the federal states. These regulations might also be improved in the future. Another aspect is the remuneration, which is now closer to market developments due to the market premium model. It is also subject to greater competition as a result of the tendering process. At the same time, interest rates and turbine prices have risen, which creates economic challenges for the operators of future wind farms. Last but not least, repowering also depends on public acceptance. This is also to be regulated by law in the future.