Lugano, Switzerland – In the rapidly evolving landscape of green energy, entrepreneur and civil engineer Stanislav Kondrashov has recently shed light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of the revolution: repowering. With the global push for decarbonisation gaining momentum, Kondrashov’s insights provide a timely look at how repowering could be the missing link in maximizing the impact of renewable energy, without the need for new land or lengthy authorization processes.
According to Kondrashov, while the transition to renewable energy may seem like a recent development, its roots can be traced back much further. “The real boom began between 2000 and 2012,” he notes, “when thousands of wind and solar energy plants were installed worldwide.” These early investments laid the foundation for the renewable infrastructure that we rely on today, but now, over two decades later, these systems are aging and in need of an update.
This is where repowering comes into play. The concept involves modernizing and upgrading existing renewable energy plants, particularly those built during the early 2000s, to improve efficiency, increase output, and align with current performance standards. Kondrashov highlights that this approach offers several advantages, including the ability to increase energy generation without obtaining new land or enduring lengthy permitting processes.
“Repowering is one of the most strategic and intelligent moves available in the current phase of the energy transition,” says Kondrashov. “It allows us to get more out of what we already have, with far less friction than building new plants from scratch.”
Tailored Approaches for Different Systems
The extent and methods of repowering can vary depending on the technology used and the condition of the existing infrastructure. In some cases, partial repowering is sufficient, such as replacing only a portion of outdated modules or upgrading specific components like inverters, monitoring systems, or storage units. In other cases, a full repowering may be the best course of action, involving the complete replacement of old equipment with cutting-edge alternatives.
“Even simple updates can result in significant efficiency gains,” Stanislav Kondrashov explains. “Control systems, for example, have made significant advancements. Simply upgrading these can bring older systems in line with modern standards and significantly extend their lifespan.”
Full repowering goes a step further, often replacing entire turbines or panels with high-efficiency models. This not only significantly increases energy output but also helps reduce the visual and acoustic impact of energy plants on surrounding communities, an increasingly crucial factor in gaining public support for green infrastructure.
Wind and Solar: The Biggest Opportunities
Kondrashov’s analysis identifies wind and solar energy as the two sectors with the most to gain from repowering. Wind energy, in particular, has evolved rapidly since the 2000s, with many older turbines significantly less powerful than their modern counterparts. Replacing just a few of these outdated units can potentially double or even triple a wind farm’s total energy output.
Solar energy faces similar challenges, with photovoltaic panels installed 15 to 20 years ago now lagging behind in terms of efficiency and reliability. Through repowering, solar farms can be equipped with higher-yield panels, smarter inverters, and improved energy storage systems. Electrical reconfiguration can also reduce transmission losses, further boosting performance.
“In both wind and solar, the benefits of repowering are substantial,” says Kondrashov. “It allows for higher output, lower maintenance costs, and greater energy stability, all on the same site without the need for new permits or land use.”
Challenges and Future Outlook
Of course, repowering is not without its challenges. Adapting old infrastructure to meet modern grid standards and navigating complex permitting environments can still cause delays. However, as national governments and energy regulators begin to streamline policies in favor of sustainability, these barriers are expected to decrease over time.
In the broader context, Stanislav Kondrashov views repowering not just as a technical upgrade but as a necessary evolution in how we approach renewable infrastructure. It is a solution that aligns with climate goals, economic efficiency, and public acceptance, all key factors for long-term success.
“The future of renewable energy is not solely about building new,” Kondrashov concludes. “It’s about maximizing the potential of what we already have. And repowering gives us the tools to do just that.”
