The operational lifetime of wind turbines is limited through fatigue. Without effective fatigue monitoring and prediction, turbines must be operated conservatively and might be retired from service before they reach the end of their fatigue life.

Wind turbines could potentially be kept in service for longer periods using control systems that reduce fatigue. At the same time, it would be necessary to monitor turbine loads to confirm the fatigue models. This coupled approach will become ever more important as increasing numbers of wind turbines approach the end of their design lives.