Wind energy giant Vestas has been forced to quarantine critical equipment at a major Western Australian renewable energy project after the discovery of asbestos-containing materials. The incident at the Warradarge Wind Farm, north of Perth, has triggered a safety investigation and raised fresh concerns about contamination risks within the nation's booming renewable sector.
Equipment Isolated as Precautionary Measure
The issue came to light when asbestos was identified in a grease used on specific wind turbine components. In response, Vestas, which is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the wind farm, immediately enacted its safety protocols. The company has confirmed that affected equipment has been securely quarantined on-site as a precaution while investigations continue.
Authorities have moved quickly to assess the potential risk. A spokesperson for WorkSafe, Western Australia's workplace health and safety regulator, stated that their inspectors are actively engaged with Vestas regarding the situation. Initial assessments indicate that workers at the site are not believed to have been exposed to unsafe levels of asbestos fibres. This assurance is based on the nature of the contaminated material and the immediate containment actions taken.
Wider Industry Concerns Surface
This scare at Warradarge is not an isolated event. It follows a similar, larger-scale incident involving Danish manufacturer Flender, which supplies gearboxes to Vestas and other major wind farm operators. Flender recently notified global customers, including in Australia, that asbestos had been found in grease used in some of its gearboxes over a multi-year period.
The unfolding situation points to a potential systemic supply chain issue affecting critical renewable energy infrastructure. The use of asbestos, a known carcinogen banned in Australia for decades, in new manufacturing processes has alarmed industry bodies and unions alike. It raises serious questions about quality control and material sourcing for components manufactured overseas.
Response and Ongoing Monitoring
Vestas has emphasised its commitment to safety. A company spokesperson said, "Vestas is aware of the detection of asbestos in grease used for some wind turbine components. The affected equipment has been quarantined, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities." They reiterated that the health and safety of their employees and contractors remains the absolute top priority.
The Warradarge Wind Farm, located near the town of Eneabba approximately 300 kilometres north of Perth, is a significant renewable asset. It features 51 turbines and has been operational since 2020, generating enough clean energy to power around 200,000 homes. The project is owned by Synergy, the state's primary electricity generator and retailer.
As the investigation proceeds, the focus will be on determining the full extent of the contamination, ensuring all risks are mitigated, and reviewing supply chain safeguards to prevent a recurrence. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex safety challenges that can accompany the rapid rollout of new energy technologies.
