ABSTRACT
Globally, our oldest onshore renewable energy infrastructure is starting to reach the end of its operational or consent life, creating the need to consider the future of both the infrastructure and sites. The future of these existing sites will form an important aspect of the energy transition, particularly as the oldest sites often occupy some of the best locations. Repowering sites by removing the existing infrastructure and replacing with new can provide opportunities to increase the amount of energy produced as well as other benefits for the environment and communities. However, decision making will not be straightforward as sites and the communities living nearby are likely to have changed over time. By drawing upon empirical research exploring onshore wind farms in the UK, this chapter discusses the challenges and opportunities facing existing renewable energy sites including how such sites have changed over time and how this influences decision making regarding the future.
