Asbestos has been detected in emergency brake components of at least 1,000 wind turbines across Britain, prompting safety concerns and calls for increased transparency in supply chains. The affected parts, notably used in lifts and hoists within the turbines, contain chrysotile—commonly known as white asbestos—a hazardous material banned in the UK since 1999.
The components are believed to have originated from third-party suppliers in China, raising questions about how the banned substance entered the country and became integrated into critical turbine equipment. Wind farm operators have initiated comprehensive reviews of their portfolios to identify affected sites, conducting atmospheric testing for airborne asbestos fibers and beginning replacements of contaminated parts.
The trade union GMB has expressed alarm over the situation, highlighting the implications for worker safety and the broader industrial impact. Louise Gilmour, secretary of GMB Scotland, criticized the outsourcing of contracts abroad, stating that it has led not only to job losses but to importing dangerous materials into the country. The union has formally requested that government ministers and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provide detailed information regarding the cleanup efforts, associated costs, and risks to workers.
Industry sources indicate that none of the turbine manufacturers or operators were aware of the asbestos content at the time of installation. SafetyOn, a UK industry body, circulated warnings earlier this year after identifying the issue. One major Scottish wind farm operator reported discovering asbestos in more than 200 turbines, including some units not yet fully installed.
The financial burden of addressing the problem extends to hiring asbestos consultants, performing extensive air sampling, and replacing affected components. Testing and remediation efforts are reportedly widespread across the sector.
The problematic equipment is linked to several suppliers, including the Danish company Avanti, the German firm Hailo, and the Chinese group 3S Industry. Avanti emphasized its commitment to safety, transparency, and regulatory compliance to prevent recurrence of such issues. Representatives from 3S Industry and Hailo did not respond to requests for comment.
The Health and Safety Executive has described the risk to workers and the public as “very low,” noting that it has not received any reports of asbestos exposure related to the wind turbine components. Nonetheless, the discovery has intensified scrutiny of the supply chains involved in renewable energy infrastructure and underscored the challenges in enforcing material safety standards across international contracts.