WIND FARM DECOMMISSIONING
Another significant advantage of
wind power generation over other forms of energy production is the
ease of decommissioning and the simple removal of plant items from
the site. A wind farm can be dismantled and the site restored,
leaving no visible trace of its existence.
The decommissioning of the wind farm would be the reverse of the
construction process with a few exceptions. Piled foundations would
be removed to a little below the seabed (or in accordance with the
regulations prevailing at that time) with consideration made of
likely changes in seabed level. Gravity or caisson foundations
could be removed completely leaving only the prepared stone
bedding.
According to the L553-3 article of the Environment Code, the
decommissioning of a wind farm is entirely at the charge of the
owner that must provide financial guaranties.