Urgent Safety Alert Issued Across Australian Wind Farms
An urgent safety alert has been raised across multiple wind farms in Australia following the discovery of deadly asbestos in Chinese-manufactured wind turbines. The hazardous material was first identified in brake pads used within wind turbine tower lifts at the Goldwind Cattle Hill wind farm located in central Tasmania.
Widespread Contamination Discovered
WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW officially confirmed last Friday that white asbestos had been detected at numerous wind farm sites. State regulators have joined forces with renewable energy company Goldwind Australia to launch a comprehensive investigation into the alarming discovery.
Goldwind Australia, which operates as a subsidiary of Chinese firm Goldwind Science and Technology, stated that the contaminated brake pads were supplied by 3S Industry. This Chinese-based supplier represents one of the few brake pad providers serving Australia's wind energy sector and has supplied components to multiple projects nationwide.
Multiple Wind Farms Affected
The scale of potential contamination has raised significant concerns, with 3S Industry brake pads installed across several major wind farm projects. Affected sites include White Rock, Gullen Range and Biala in New South Wales, Clarke Creek in Queensland, and Moorabool and Stockyard Hill in Victoria.
The discovery has triggered fears that the asbestos problem could extend far beyond initially identified locations, potentially affecting turbines throughout the country. The brake pads form part of the turbine's internal mechanism, though the exact level of asbestos exposure risk to workers and contractors remains unclear.
Authorities have emphasised that there is no current evidence suggesting the wider community has been exposed to the hazardous material or that environmental contamination has occurred.
Immediate Safety Measures Implemented
Upon identifying the contamination, Goldwind immediately restricted access to affected wind turbines and notified relevant authorities. The company has committed to engaging specialist asbestos removal teams and has alerted other energy providers who received supplies from 3S Industry.
This development carries significant implications for Australia's renewable energy sector, given that Goldwind wind farms contribute approximately five percent of the nation's annual renewable energy generation.
WorkSafe confirmed it is collaborating with interstate and national regulators, along with the product supplier, to establish appropriate control measures. Additional monitoring will continue, with inspectors determining whether further action is required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Additional Sites Confirmed Contaminated
Beijing Energy International has confirmed that their Gullen Range and Biala wind farms in NSW's Southern Tablelands have also been affected. The company released a statement acknowledging the presence of asbestos in spare brake pads used in internal service lifting devices within their wind turbines at Biala Wind Farm.
The company emphasised that health and safety remain their ultimate priority, maintaining constant communication with Goldwind and ensuring regulatory authorities have complete access and support for thorough investigation and assessment.
This incident represents a significant breach of Australia's strict asbestos regulations, which have prohibited the importation of goods containing asbestos since 2003. The investigation continues to determine the full extent of the contamination and appropriate remedial actions.
