How Electronics Repair Will Save the Renewable Energy Transition from an Environmental and Economic Disaster
The world is transitioning its energy sources from fossil fuels to more renewable sources: wind, solar, hydro and biomass. On the surface, this seems like a highly advantageous and environmentally friendly move on the part of governments and energy companies, but significant challenges accompany a shift from fossil-fuel-based power grids to sustainable, decentralized systems. While the benefits of renewable energy sources are well established, such a transition will require substantial investment in infrastructure, materials, and technology. One often overlooked yet crucial aspect of this transition is the role of electronic repair and maintenance in ensuring long-term efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reduced waste. Without adequate planning and support for electronic sustainability, this energy transformation could lead to increased waste, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs, undermining the benefits and leading to an environmental and economic disaster!
The reliance on electronics in renewable energy infrastructure is substantial. Solar inverters, wind turbine controllers, battery management systems, and smart grid components are all essential to managing and distributing renewable energy efficiently. However, as demand for these components grows, so do the issues of obsolescence, e-waste, and resource scarcity. The rising costs of raw materials: copper, lithium, and rare earth minerals, amplified by tariffs and supply chain disruptions, highlight the need for a repair-based approach to electronic sustainability. Recent reports indicate that U.S. copper prices are surging due to proposed tariffs, further increasing the cost of building and maintaining renewable energy infrastructure. A greater emphasis on repair, refurbishment, and component reuse can help mitigate these financial pressures.
Instead of discarding aging inverters or battery management units, businesses and utilities can extend their lifespans through repair, minimising costs and operational downtime. Additionally, modular designs that allow for easier component replacement and upgrades can ensure that renewable energy systems remain viable for decades rather than becoming obsolete within a few years. A report by The Guardian highlighted how the cost of the UK energy transition was skyrocketing due to unnecessary infrastructure replacements and obsolescence, emphasising the importance of electronic repair and maintenance. Governments and businesses need to be encouraged to repair electronic equipment instead of being forced into expensive replacements if we are to stop excessive project costs and save taxpayer money. Companies like Siemens Gamesa, Boralex, and GE Vernova have have already invested in developing in-house repair capabilities, with GE reportedly saving 20 million dollars in four years.
Beyond cost savings, electronic repair is crucial for environmental sustainability. The growing issue of e-waste poses a major threat to global efforts, as many electronic components contain hazardous materials that, if not properly recycled, contribute to pollution and resource depletion. Developing a strong repair strategy can prevent vast amounts of renewable energy infrastructure from becoming waste, ultimately reducing the sector’s overall carbon footprint. Furthermore, by reducing demand for newly mined materials, repair strategies can reduce the environmental impact of extracting resources such as lithium and cobalt, materials whose extraction often leads to deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction.
The workforce transition toward renewable energy also presents an opportunity for job creation in the repair and reuse sector. As traditional fossil fuel industries decline, retraining workers in electronic repair can provide stable employment and a boost in skillset while supporting the sustainability of green energy infrastructure. Repair technicians, electronics specialists, and sustainable design engineers will be essential in ensuring that renewable energy systems remain operational and cost-effective for years to come.
Encouraging repairability in renewable energy infrastructure will require a coordinated effort from policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers. Governments can support right-to-repair legislation, requiring manufacturers to make repair information and spare parts more readily available. Businesses can integrate repair-friendly designs into their products, reducing planned obsolescence and ensuring that energy equipment remains serviceable. Energy providers can prioritize refurbished components, choosing longevity over disposability.
The transition to renewable energy is a necessary step in combating climate change, but it must be executed with careful consideration of long-term sustainability and economic viability. Electronic repair plays a vital role in this process, offering economic and environmental benefits by reducing waste, lowering costs, and increasing efficiency. By integrating repair strategies into renewable energy infrastructure and embracing a circular economy approach, we can create a more resilient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly power grid for future generations.
Check out this fascinating video by The Engineering Mindset, dissecting the inner workings of a wind turbine and the importance of electronics in their operation and safety:
