Commercial scale wind turbines typically have a life expectancy of 20-25 years. When a turbine reaches the end of its useful life it can be retrofitted or removed altogether.

A detailed decommissioning plan, including provisions for financial security to ensure funds, is often required by local governing bodies, though this varies from one jurisdiction to another. When financial security is put in place, it is pledged for the lifetime of the project and designed to guarantee funds are available, regardless of who owns the project at the end of its useful life.