First guideline for the continued operation of wind turbines

Wind turbines are designed and certified for a period of 20 years. The turbines of the first generation have now reached that age. What is going to happen to these wind turbines? Do they measure up to the most up-to-date technology? Can they continue to be operated or do they have to be scrapped? The publication of the internationally valid “Guideline for the Continued Operation of Wind Turbines” by Germanischer Lloyd offers owners and operators of wind turbines, insurance companies, creditors, manufacturers and building authorities support in answering these questions. This article provides an introduction to the background and content of the new “Guideline for the Continued Operation of Wind Turbines” and concludes with a brief look at the prospects and the latest experiences of Germanischer Lloyd since the publication of the Guideline.