Has anyone scrapped a wind tower

The mechanics of decommissioning



Approaches to decommissioning vary depending on the unique site characteristics and the extent to which parts can be recovered for resale or scrap value.

Deconstruction for resale – This involves a careful reversal of the construction process to remove blades, towers and control equipment. This can be a lengthy and costly exercise but if there are buyers for the components that hold the most value, i.e. towers, generators, gearboxes and transmission equipment, this process offers the greatest opportunity for owners to reclaim investment in the components.

Rapid deconstruction – In this approach components are dismantled but not preserved for resale. Cables are cut rather than disconnected and parts are rendered unsalable as they are removed. This is less expensive and is faster than deconstruction for resale.

Demolition – This is similar to the tearing down of an old building. Towers are toppled and the focus in on clean-up of the debris from the site rather than removal of individual parts.
Regardless of the approach, some of the activities for each method may include:

• Improvements to side and service roads to accommodate heavy equipment like cranes, trucks and grading equipment.
• Establishing temporary crane pads at each turbine.
• Dividing materials for proper disposal – Fiberglass blades, oil, grease and other fluids are delivered to the proper disposal site; metal and electrical parts are recycled or sold as scrap.

Once deconstruction of above ground equipment is complete, the final step involves the removal of subsurface components where possible and restoration of the land. It is typical for the foundation and cables to be removed to a feasible depth.