Start with the project's permits and land agreements, then separate turbine removal, tower removal, blade handling, foundations and restoration into written responsibilities. Blade processing alone is not a complete decommissioning scope.
Repowering or full decommissioning?
Repowering and decommissioning are different end-of-service decisions. The DOE WINDExchange End-of-Service Guide discusses both, including removal and site restoration. Identify which equipment is being replaced, which infrastructure remains and what must be restored before comparing proposals.
Documents to gather before requesting removal
- Project permits and approved decommissioning plans, if applicable
- Land leases, easements and restoration commitments
- Turbine model, tower configuration and equipment inventory
- Site access information and available drawings
- Owner safety requirements and target dates
- Any requirements for financial assurance or closeout in the project documents
Requirements depend on the actual jurisdiction and project. DOE's wind ordinance directory is a starting point, not an exhaustive legal review. Confirm current requirements with the permitting authority and qualified advisers.
Separate the responsibilities in each proposal
| --- | --- |
|---|---|
| Turbine dismantling | Who plans lifts, lowers components and handles them on the ground? |
| Tower removal | Who handles tower sections, loading and the metal destination? |
| Blade management | Are blades whole, cut or processed, and to what written specification? |
| Hauling | Who confirms load configurations, routes and receiving appointments? |
| Closeout | Which records demonstrate removal, receipt and agreed restoration? |
Use qualified contractors for lifting, electrical and engineering decisions. This checklist does not specify a dismantling method or establish that our company performs every work package.
Keep blade recovery separate from tower scrap
Turbine components are made from different materials. A tower metal destination does not establish a destination for composite blades. Request separate acceptance requirements and records for each stream. Read the blade destination checklist.
Request a project-specific review
Submit the state, county, turbine count, blade condition, desired work packages and schedule through the project review form. Direct work, coordinated work and work outside the offered scope must be confirmed in the proposal. No statewide availability is implied by this guide.
Sources and limits
This procurement checklist is based on the linked DOE guidance and project-information questions. It is not legal, safety or engineering advice. Use the applicable project documents and qualified advisers for binding requirements.