ERG's visionary approach: Repowering as the key to a more efficient tomorrow

According to the IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2023 report, wind power continues to be one of our most cost-effective forms of clean energy. Yet, despite the push to increase it for environmental and energy security reasons, obstacles remain.

These include the fact that the timing and structure for permits don't match European deadlines, auction prices don't reflect the real costs of technologies that have gotten more expensive over the past two years due to green inflation, and the grid isn't properly set up for the required amount of additional renewable capacity. With such challenges, the advantages to repowering or upgrading already established sites are huge.

Repowering as a strategic tool

ERG believes in using repowering as a smart way to cut carbon emissions, and wants to get the most out of the latest technology to be as efficient as possible.

For example, ERG recently finished repowering the Partinico Monreale wind farm in Sicily. The wind farm has been in operation since 2005, but with ERG’s changes, it now produces three-and-a-half times more clean energy and has two-and-a-half times more power. The number of turbines have also been reduced by around 50%.

This shows that using new wind power tech can provide more energy without needing less turbines. It's a big win for onshore wind, meaning the industry can grow without using up more land.

Commitment to growth in renewables

On 24-25 October, 2023, ERG celebrated the opening of the ERG Wind Farm in Partinico-Monreale, close to Palermo. This wind farm is special because it's the first one in ERG's portfolio to finish repowering, making it more efficient.

During the event, ERG talked about how repowering help the company reaching targets of carbon emission reduction and transitioning to cleaner energy. The company also confirmed that it is committed to growing renewable energy in Italy and Europe. This commitment comes right after ERG sold its fossil fuel assets, making it a fully renewable energy company.

ERG believes that private companies, especially in the energy sector, can lead the way in the transition to cleaner energy. This involves working together with the public sector to meet climate goals.

ERG think repowering should continue to be a leading part of the discussion around cutting carbon emissions. It's a key way to get the cleanest energy output.

The completion of its repowered wind farm in Sicily is an example of how the public and private sectors can work together. This partnership is crucial for the decarbonisation process in the world’s transition to using cleaner energy.

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