Asbestos in wind towers: A statement from TagEnergy

December 4, 2025

There has been a certain amount of hysterical response from the anti-renewables world about the discovery of white asbestos in the brake linings used to control the internal lifts in wind towers. As Oberon won't see a tower constructed near here for at least three years (if the project even goes ahead) this is not an issue that should cause any concern because the "problem" will have been fixed well before the first part of any tower gets delivered.

TagEnergy have issued the following statement:

Safety is paramount at TagEnergy, owner of The Pines Wind Farm.

We have been advised by Vestas, our Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor at the Golden Plains Wind Farm in Victoria, that a supplier has provided internal service lifts whose braking systems contain trace amounts of asbestos.

This is contrary to the specifications outlined in Vestas' supplier agreement. These lifts are located inside turbine towers and are used by technicians to access the top of turbines for maintenance activities.

Vestas is working closely with the supplier and partners to identify, contain, and remove the affected brake pads, and to implement suitable replacements.

The brake pads are housed within sealed units specifically designed to contain brake dust. This design has effectively mitigated the unintended presence of asbestos in the brake materials. As an added precaution, access to the turbines has been restricted and exclusion zones have been established around any units undergoing assessment and rectification.

Independent hygienists have conducted air quality and surface testing, which confirmed no detection of uncontained asbestos in any affected turbines.

Regulators have been fully briefed and have expressed confidence in the swift and thorough response undertaken by Vestas to safeguard the health, safety, and wellbeing of all personnel and the broader community.

Disclaimer: Oberon Matters has no opinion either way on the matter of wind towers near Oberon. This article is for public information only. Please see our position of total neutrality.

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