Repowering U.K. onshore wind farms as they reach the end of their scheduled operating lives would be a highly Source: Getty Imagescost-effective way to increase generation of cheap, low-carbon electricity.

This is a key finding from a new study published by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit: Repower to the People: How Upgrading the UK’s Old Onshore Wind Fleet Can Cut Carbon, Reduce Bills and Support Local Communities.

The non-profit group analyzed a database of onshore wind farms across England, Scotland and Wales, identifying nearly 60 projects with over 750 wind turbines that will reach their 20th year in service within the next five years, including some at locations deemed the best for wind energy in the country.

Upgrading these sites with the newest, most efficient turbines would increase the U.K.’s generating capacity by more than 1.3 GW compared with a scenario in which turbines are taken down at the end of their service lives. This would yield more than 3 TWh of electricity per year, enough to power nearly 800,000 homes. Consumer savings of more than £77 million ($108 million USD) per year on energy bills would be realized, compared to generating the same amount of electricity from gas-fired power stations.