As the demand for energy continues to grow with the increased electrification of our economy, energy generation grows in importance. Energy production, however, is not static. Especially when it comes to renewables.

A new study released by Wood Mackenzie on Monday draws attention to the decommissioning of solar and wind projects as they age out. “[A]s the first great wave of turbines and modules reach the end of their design life,” the report states, “owners are having to decide whether to abandon their sites, invest in extending their lifespans or renew them.”

Currently there are 3.5 terawatts of solar and wind energy produced around the world. By the 2040s, 2.5 terawatts will be at risk as the equipment it depends upon ages out. The report makes the case for renew their sites with new equipment. Among the reasons are the significant improvements in efficiency and lifespan of new equipment.

Some examples:

• Wind turbines and solar modules have become significantly more efficient in recent decades, producing more power on a fraction of the land. The average turbine rating has increased from 1.5 MW in 2006 to 6 MW in 2026 and is forecast to reach 7.5 MW by 2036.
• The same applies to solar. Module efficiencies have increased 69% between 2005 and 2025, on average, and technology is already available that could increase cell efficiency by more than 50% to 2045, allowing for more output on less land.

The advantages of repowering are demonstrated in the following graph: