Over 1,000 UK Wind Turbines found to contain asbestos
More than 1,000 wind turbines across the United Kingdom have been found to contain chrysotile asbestos, a hazardous material banned in the country for over two decades.
The discovery stems from components imported from China, specifically incorporated into the braking systems of internal lifts and hoists within the turbines.
Chrysotile, commonly known as white asbestos, was fully prohibited in the UK on 24 November 1999, under the Asbestos (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Regulations 1999, which outlawed its import, supply, and use.
Earlier bans had already been placed on blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) asbestos in 1985. The substance is a known carcinogen, linked to fatal diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.
In response to the findings, the GMB trade union has formally petitioned both the UK Government and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for comprehensive details regarding the ongoing remediation efforts.
Louise Gilmour, secretary of GMB Scotland, expressed strong condemnation, stating to The Sunday Times, “Our country banned asbestos decades ago because it was killing workers and their families, but we now pay for it to be ferried here from the other side of the world and then pay again to remove it?” She further demanded transparency, adding, “We deserve to be told exactly how this happened and what is being be done to prevent it happening again.”
Industry sources indicate that the presence of asbestos was not known to either the lift suppliers or the wind farm owners at the time of installation. The Energy Institute, a professional body for the energy sector, acknowledged the issue, noting that “Industry reporting to date indicates that asbestos, where present, is confined within sealed brake housings, encapsulated, non-friable, and not generating airborne fibres under normal operating conditions.”
The Institute also commented that “At present, there is no indication of worker health risk, and no evidence of wrongdoing by turbine operators.” The HSE has confirmed its awareness of the issue, stating that “Industry duty holders and supply chain partners are working swiftly to determine the extent of any affected equipment and to implement appropriate measures where asbestos is identified. With suitable control measures and monitoring in place the risk of exposure is considered to be low.”
This incident mirrors similar discoveries in Australia, where asbestos has been found in brake pads of wind turbines, also originating from Chinese suppliers, leading to significant concern over international supply chain verification and prompting quarantine and remediation procedures.
Such occurrences highlight potential vulnerabilities in global procurement processes, particularly concerning industrial components that historically carried a higher risk of asbestos use.
source scottishbusinessnews.net