Second-hand market rising in wind energy in Germany: Aging facilities and record growth
Key Points
- Approximately half of the installed wind power plants in Germany are over 15 years of age.
- Fixed EEG energy purchase guarantee payments at many facilities will end in the coming years.
- The year 2025 was a record year for the sector with more than 3,300 new licenses.
- Aging systems and strong growth make the second-hand wind turbine market important.
By the Numbers
Germany's wind energy sector is undergoing a significant structural transformation process. Nearly half of the wind turbines installed in the country are older than 15 years of age. This situation means that fixed EEG incentive payments will come to an end for many facilities in the coming years.
In parallel to this, the sector has also gained great momentum in new installations. The year 2025 went on record as a record year with more than 3,300 new licenses. In 2026, the upward trend in new capacity acquisitions is expected to continue.
Both the aging of existing facilities and the rapid proliferation of new projects are causing the second-hand wind energy equipment market to become increasingly critical. These developments offer both new opportunities and cost-driven strategic transformations for companies in the sector.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Approximately what percentage of wind energy facilities in Germany are older than 15 years of age?
- Approximately half of the installed wind power plants in the country are older than 15 years of age.
- How does the aging of existing wind turbines affect the sector?
- Since the fixed EEG energy purchase guarantee payments for facilities that have completed their 15 years come to an end, this situation brings along a comprehensive structural transformation and the importance of the second-hand market.
- What is the approval trend for new wind energy projects in Germany?
- A record was broken in 2025 with more than 3,300 new licenses issued, and new installations are expected to continue increasing in 2026.
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- Mandiner·