From wind to waves: Turbine blades recycled

Wind turbine blades recycled from the Waubra Wind Farm have been used to manufacture surfboard fins and are now in commercial production.

ACCIONA Energia in partnership with Bolero Surf debuted the Turbine Made surfboard fins at the recent Aussie Boardriders Battle final.

Darcy Crump, a pro-surfer from Bungan Boardriders used the fins at the competition, held at Burleigh Heads.

“As a surfer, performance comes first,” said Crump.

“The fins feel solid, and quick around turns, and knowing they’re made from recycled turbine blades makes it even better.”

After observing that many surfboards are still paired with fins made from unsustainable fin manufacturing practices, the Turbine Made fins were designed and manufactured by surf fin maker Bolero Surf, led by 26-year-old entrepreneur Banjo Hunt.

“The fibreglass inside a wind turbine blade has so much inherent value, which for us means it can be turned into high-quality surfboard fins,” said Hunt.

“By reusing this material, we avoid one of the most expensive and labour-intensive parts of traditional fin manufacturing.

“That advantage is helping us bring production back to Australia.

“Crucially, the material is super strong and stiff, which perfectly lends itself to high-performance surfboard fins.”

The Turbine Made fins are available to Australian and international consumers, demonstrating that circular innovation can succeed at commercial scale.

ACCIONA is continuing to seek Australian innovators to explore sustainable product development using recycled turbine materials.

Approximately 85 to 94 per cent of a wind turbine by mass is recyclable.

This exceeds Australia’s commercial and industrial recycling average (57 per cent) and the 2034 National Waste Policy Action Plan average resource recovery target of 80 per cent.

Turbine material has also been used in products such as photovoltaic tracker beams and shoes.