Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market is Expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 18.93% through 2030F
Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market is increasing due to the
growing number of aging turbines reaching the end of their operational life during
the forecast period 2026-2030F.
According to TechSci Research report, “Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market
– Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition Forecast &
Opportunities, 2020-2030F”, The Global Wind Turbine
Decommissioning Market was valued at USD 1.02 billion in 2024 and is expected
to reach USD 2.91 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 18.93% during the forecast
period.
The rapid expansion of offshore wind farms is a
significant driver for the Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market, as these
installations require specialized services to address the unique challenges of
marine environments. Offshore turbines, often larger and more complex than
their onshore counterparts, face accelerated wear due to harsh conditions like
saltwater corrosion, necessitating decommissioning after 20-25 years. The
complexity of offshore decommissioning, which involves heavy-lift vessels,
marine logistics, and environmental safeguards, drives demand for specialized
expertise and equipment.
As global offshore wind capacity grows, particularly
in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the U.S., the need for decommissioning services is
increasing. Regulatory frameworks, such as those in the EU, mandate
environmentally responsible decommissioning to protect marine ecosystems,
further fueling market demand. Companies like Orsted and Cadeler are investing
in advanced marine decommissioning technologies to handle large-scale projects
efficiently. The high costs and technical challenges of offshore decommissioning
are driving innovation in logistics and waste management, positioning the
market as a critical component of the offshore wind energy lifecycle.
Global offshore wind capacity reached 64 gigawatts in
2023, with 10% of installed turbines over 15 years old, according to the Global
Wind Energy Council. By 2030, an estimated 2,000 offshore turbines will require
decommissioning, generating 1.5 million tons of waste, with 40% requiring
specialized marine vessels for removal, costing USD10-15 million per project.
Regulatory ambiguity and policy gaps present a
critical challenge for the Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market, hindering
consistent and sustainable end-of-life management. Many countries lack clear,
enforceable frameworks for decommissioning wind energy infrastructure,
particularly regarding timelines, funding mechanisms, and environmental
compliance. This regulatory uncertainty creates confusion among project
developers, investors, and service providers, impeding long-term planning and
risk assessment.
In several regions, wind farm operators are not
legally obligated to restore land or marine sites to their original conditions,
leading to environmental degradation and community opposition. The absence of
standardized decommissioning requirements also discourages investment in
dedicated recycling facilities and innovation in sustainable disposal methods.
Furthermore, differing jurisdictional policies across local, state, and
national levels create additional compliance burdens for multi-site operators.
Without harmonized global standards or incentives for
responsible decommissioning, the industry may experience inefficiencies and
reputational challenges. Governments must establish clear, enforceable
regulations that mandate decommissioning planning as part of initial project
approvals, along with financial assurance mechanisms to cover end-of-life
costs.
Collaboration among regulators, industry stakeholders,
and environmental groups is essential to developing comprehensive policies that
balance economic feasibility with ecological stewardship. As the wind energy
sector matures, closing these regulatory and policy gaps will be crucial to
ensuring that decommissioning practices support long-term environmental and
societal goals.
Browse over XX market data Figures
spread through XX Pages and an in-depth TOC on the "Global Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market"
Based on Location, the onshore
segment dominated the Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market and is anticipated to
maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This leadership position
is primarily attributed to the larger installed base of onshore wind farms
globally, many of which are now reaching the end of their operational
lifecycle. Onshore wind projects began gaining momentum decades ago, well ahead
of the offshore sector, resulting in a significant number of aging turbines
requiring structured decommissioning. The decommissioning of onshore wind
turbines is also relatively cost-effective and logistically simpler compared to
offshore operations. It involves fewer environmental and regulatory
complexities, less specialized equipment, and easier site accessibility,
contributing to the feasibility and attractiveness of timely turbine removal
and site restoration.
Additionally, governments and private operators are
actively engaging in circular economy practices, further accelerating
decommissioning projects on land. As sustainability becomes a critical factor
in energy infrastructure lifecycle management, the onshore wind sector is
witnessing more systematic planning around turbine removal, materials
recycling, and land repurposing. Moreover, the availability of experienced
contractors, established recycling facilities, and the growing maturity of
decommissioning technologies for onshore applications are fostering greater
efficiency and cost control.
While the offshore segment is gaining traction due to
the increasing number of offshore installations set to reach their operational
limits in the coming years, the sheer volume of onshore turbines already in
decommissioning pipelines solidifies its position as the leading contributor to
revenue and activity in the Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market. This segment's
dominance is expected to persist as asset owners seek to comply with evolving
regulations and capitalize on resource recovery and site rehabilitation
opportunities. As a result, the onshore segment continues to lead the market
landscape, underpinned by both operational scale and economic viability.
North America is emerging as the fastest-growing
region in the Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market due to a convergence of
regulatory, technological, and operational factors. The region, particularly
the United States, has one of the largest installed bases of onshore wind
turbines, many of which were commissioned in the early 2000s and are now
approaching or have surpassed their 20-year operational lifespan. This aging
fleet is driving a surge in decommissioning activities as asset owners
prioritize repowering, land restoration, or complete turbine removal. The
presence of mature infrastructure and an established renewable energy framework
has facilitated efficient planning and execution of decommissioning projects
across both federal and state jurisdictions.
Supportive policies and funding mechanisms in the
United States and Canada are also accelerating decommissioning efforts,
especially in line with broader environmental and circular economy objectives.
Government agencies and industry stakeholders are increasingly mandating
end-of-life strategies as part of permitting processes, ensuring that operators
include clear and accountable plans for dismantling and recycling wind
components. Furthermore, technological advancements in dismantling techniques,
crane operations, and materials recovery are enhancing the cost-effectiveness
and safety of decommissioning projects in the region.
Another key driver is the evolving recycling ecosystem
in North America, which now includes specialized facilities for processing
turbine blades, nacelles, and foundations. This infrastructure allows for
higher recovery rates of steel, copper, and composite materials, aligning with
sustainability mandates and offering economic incentives to developers.
Additionally, growing industry expertise and the presence of established
engineering, procurement, and construction firms provide North America with the
capacity to scale decommissioning activities rapidly.
Combined with rising public awareness of land use
optimization and environmental stewardship, North America's strategic shift
from aging infrastructure to next-generation clean energy assets continues to
reinforce its position as the fastest-growing region in the global Wind Turbine
Decommissioning Market.
Key market players in the Global Wind
Turbine Decommissioning Market are: -
- Veolia Environnement S.A.
- GE Vernova
- Vestas Wind Systems A/S
- Siemens Gamesa
Renewable Energy, S.A.
- DNV AS
- RES Group (Renewable
Energy Systems)
- Fred. Olsen Renewables
- TPI Composites, Inc.
- Aker Solutions ASA
- ABB Ltd.
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“The Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market
is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the aging of
first-generation wind farms and the global shift toward sustainable energy
practices. As many turbines approach or exceed their 20-25 year lifespan,
operators are increasingly focusing on repowering, recycling, or full
dismantling. Regulatory mandates requiring end-of-life planning, advancements
in recycling technologies, and rising investments in circular economy
initiatives will further accelerate market expansion. Moreover, the development
of specialized decommissioning services and infrastructure will enable more
efficient, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective removal processes,
supporting the market’s sustained and strategic growth globally.” said Mr.
Karan Chechi, Research Director of TechSci Research, a research-based Global
management consulting firm.
“Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and
Forecast, Segmented By Service Type (Project Management, Recycling and Waste
Management, Asset Recovery, Transportation and Logistics, Dismantling and
Removal), By Turbine Capacity (Less than 1 MW, 1–2 MW, 2–5 MW, Above 5 MW), By
Location (Onshore, Offshore), By Region, and By Competition, 2020-2030F,” has evaluated the future
growth potential of Global Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market and
provides statistics & information on market size, structure, and future
market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence
and help decision makers take sound investment decisions. Besides the report
also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers,
challenges, and opportunities in Global Wind Turbine Decommissioning Market.
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