Warning for Farmers: Chinese-Made Wind Turbines May Produce Sharp Plastic Shards
An expert has provided insights into the risks associated with wind turbines following a letter sent to Victorian farmers advising them to be cautious of falling parts.
Farmers in rural areas near Geelong, Victoria, are being cautioned to wear hard hats due to sharp plastic pieces flying off wind turbines in the vicinity.
This warning comes after a severe weather event prompted a letter to be sent to farmers near the Golden Plains Wind Farm, located 65 kilometers southwest of Melbourne.
Workers within 400 meters of a turbine were advised to await further instructions.
The Golden Plains Wind Farm, supported by state and federal governments, has approval for up to 228 turbines, with the current plan involving 215 turbines spread across 16,739 hectares.
Wind Turbines Not Always Environmentally Friendly, Says Expert
Ecologist and mapping specialist Steven Nowakowski, who has extensively researched energy alternatives, believes that while some renewable technologies are effective, they can also pose environmental risks and be expensive.
Nowakowski, formerly a Green Party candidate based in Cairns, expressed little surprise at the reports of plastic pieces detaching from wind turbines, attributing it to the manufacturing process and lack of oversight.
He explained that turbine blades often have serrated edges to improve airflow and efficiency, with some pieces glued on.
According to Nowakowski, the turbines at the Golden Plains Wind Farm are entirely manufactured in China, highlighting a lack of regulation on turbine safety.
He also noted that once the imported components are installed, there are no follow-ups or checks conducted.
Nowakowski, a co-founder of Rainforest Reserves Australia, emphasized the need for careful consideration of rapid renewable development that could harm the natural environment.
He pointed out incidents like wind turbine blade fragments breaking off in the US and entire turbines collapsing worldwide, citing increased height as a factor in their failures.
Calls for comment from Golden Plains Wind Farm and turbine manufacturer Vestas went unanswered at the time of publication.
Renewables Have Overlooked Costs: Nowakowski
“Running a modern economy solely on wind and solar energy is impractical,” stated Nowakowski, emphasizing the overlooked infrastructure costs of renewables.
He estimated that Australia’s wind farm plans could cost up to $600 billion, with turbines having a lifespan of 20-25 years.
Nuclear Presents a Viable Alternative
Despite initial reservations, Nowakowski now advocates for nuclear power as a practical solution for a growing population with increasing energy needs.
He suggested repurposing existing coal-fired power stations for nuclear plants, eliminating the need for costly new transmission lines.
Focusing on Net Zero May Compromise Safety: Lawyer
Lawyer Dominica Tannock from SDT Legal in Melbourne, well-versed in the Australian wind industry, highlighted concerns about self-regulation within the industry and government neglect due to a focus on meeting targets.
Tannock noted that falling parts glued onto turbines are just one of many issues reported by affected clients.
She raised concerns about government priorities being directed towards investor confidence to achieve targets like net zero.
“Targets are politically favorable,” she remarked. “They attract votes.”
Investigation by WorkSafe
The Victorian government, in collaboration with WorkSafe Victoria, is investigating the safety of farmers near the Golden Plains Wind Farm.
WorkSafe Victoria, responsible for preventing workplace injuries, is working with the wind farm operators to address health and safety risks.
Ensuring public safety remains a top priority, with wind farm owners obligated to comply with stringent energy safety regulations.
