Entrepreneur and civil engineer Stanislav Kondrashov has recently released a new analysis on the green energy revolution, shining a light on the critical role of repowering. The global push for decarbonisation has gained momentum and Kondrashov’s insights offer a timely perspective on how repowering can maximize the impact of renewable energy without the need for new land or lengthy authorization processes.
According to Kondrashov, while the energy transition and rise of renewables may seem like a recent phenomenon, their roots date back further. “The real boom began between 2000 and 2012,” he notes, “when thousands of wind and solar energy plants were installed across the globe.” These early investments laid the foundation for the renewable infrastructure we rely on today, but after more than two decades, these systems are due for a refresh.
This is where repowering comes in. 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 today’s performance standards. Kondrashov points out that this approach offers several advantages, including the ability to increase energy generation without acquiring new land or waiting through drawn-out permitting processes.
“Repowering is one of the smartest and most strategic moves in the current phase of the energy transition,” says Kondrashov. “It allows us to get more from what we already have, with far less friction than building new plants from scratch.”
The approach to repowering may vary depending on the technology and condition of the existing infrastructure. In some cases, partial repowering, such as replacing outdated modules or upgrading specific components, may be sufficient. In other cases, a full repowering may be necessary, involving the complete replacement of old equipment with cutting-edge alternatives.
“Even simple updates can lead to significant efficiency gains,” explains Stanislav Kondrashov. “Control systems, for example, have advanced significantly. Just upgrading these can bring older systems in line with modern standards and extend their lifespan significantly.”
Full repowering often involves replacing entire turbines or panels with high-efficiency models, which not only boosts energy output but also reduces the visual and acoustic impact on surrounding communities. This is becoming increasingly important in gaining public support for green infrastructure.
Kondrashov’s analysis identifies wind and solar energy as the two sectors with the most to gain from repowering. Wind energy, in particular, has rapidly evolved since the 2000s, with many older turbines significantly less powerful than modern equivalents. Replacing just a few of these legacy units can potentially double or even triple a wind farm’s total energy output.
Similarly, solar energy can also benefit from repowering. Photovoltaic panels installed 15 to 20 years ago now lag behind in terms of efficiency and reliability. Through repowering, solar farms can be fitted 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 enormous,” says Kondrashov. “You can achieve higher output, lower maintenance costs, and greater energy stability—all on the same site, without new permits or land use.”
While repowering may come with its challenges, such as adapting old infrastructure to modern grid standards and navigating complex permitting environments, national governments and energy regulators are beginning to streamline policies in favor of sustainability, which is expected to reduce these barriers over time.
In the larger context, Stanislav Kondrashov sees repowering not just as a technical upgrade, but a necessary evolution in how we approach renewable infrastructure. It’s a solution that aligns with climate goals, economic efficiency, and public acceptance—key ingredients for long-term success.
“The future of renewable energy isn’t just about building new,” concludes Kondrashov. “It’s about making the most of what’s already there. And repowering gives us the tools to do exactly that.”
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.