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On December 4–5, 2024, the city of Gothenburg, Sweden, hosted the EoLIS seminar organized by WindEurope. The event focused on critical challenges and innovative strategies for addressing the end-of-life stage of wind turbines. One of the pivotal sessions delved into the topic of investment decisions and the motivations behind purchasing used wind turbines, offering a unique perspective from buyers.
Among the distinguished speakers was Kateryna Knysh, Head of Analytics at the UWEA and Business Development Director at MCL. Kateryna provided a compelling presentation highlighting the prospects of used wind turbines in Ukraine, showcasing their growing appeal to Ukrainian buyers. Her presentation explored the evolution of the used wind turbine market in Ukraine, profiled the modern Ukrainian buyer, and outlined the key advantages of choosing used turbines over new ones. She also shared an example of a recent MCL project specifically designed to integrate used turbines and unveiled potential locations for future projects.
“According to UWEA data, the total installed capacity of used wind turbines in Ukraine currently stands at 32 MW, with an average unit capacity of 1.24 MW. However, starting in 2024, Ukrainian buyers are increasingly interested in turbines with a unit capacity of 2 MW or more, driven primarily by a deficit in energy generation within the system,” Kateryna stated. She emphasized that using second-hand turbines is a critical necessity shaped by wartime realities:
“This is a fast and cost-effective investment solution for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as for critical local infrastructure, including water utilities.”
In response to audience questions about the challenges faced by Ukrainian buyers of used wind turbines, Kateryna outlined two primary issues:
1. Operations and Maintenance: The market faces a significant shortage of qualified personnel and service centers. “We are also keen to develop training programs for Ukrainian personnel,” Kateryna added.
2. Equipment Quality: Buyers prioritize refurbished turbines with a minimum 10-year operational warranty. “We take equipment quality very seriously. Our buyers are only interested in refurbished wind turbines that come with a manufacturer’s guarantee of at least 10 years of further operation,” she emphasized.
The session was moderated by the CEO of Business in Wind, a company that recently joined UWEA. The moderator underscored the company's expertise in conducting high-quality refurbishments and ensuring stable turbine performance, a key factor for Ukrainian buyers.
UWEA expresses its deep gratitude to WindEurope for providing another platform to showcase Ukraine’s wind energy market and for its continued support of Ukraine during these challenging times.
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