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Project Code [21/PATH-A/9348]
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Project title
End of Life Decisions for Wind Farms: An Opportunity for Climate Action and for Energy Communities
Primary Funding Agency
Irish Research Council
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University College Cork (UCC)
Project Abstract
At the end-of-life of a windfarm a decision must be made whether the farm should be decommissioned, have its life extended (replacing significant parts) or be repowered (new turbines). By analysing the value of wind farms, I aim to develop two decision support tools (commercial and community) to address key concerns in this area. The first consideration is the price of electricity during the next 10 to 20 years. Second is the regulatory workload to extend or repower, or the obligations for decommissioning. Other considerations include the cost of decommissioning, life extension or repowering, and the cost of finance. These issues require a thorough financial, social and environmental analysis and are the focus of the commercial decision support tool. The end-of-life also presents an opportunity for the local community to invest in renewable energy at a reasonable cost. Local people bring a unique leverage regarding local authority decisions regarding locally produced renewable energy. Thus we examine the possible ways in which citizens can invest in existing windfarms as they approach end-of-life by using equity crowdfunding and other investment methods. This is the focus of the community decision support tool from this project.
Grant Approved
�407,247.39
Research Theme
Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities
Initial Projected Completion Date
28/02/2026