What do you do with an old wind turbine blade? You could let it gather dust, turn it into an oversized garden ornament, or - if you’re professional surfer Josh Kerr - carve it into a surfboard and ride it into a whole new life. In a world-first, Kerr and his surfboard brand, Draft Surf, have partnered with Acciona, global leaders in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, to create surfboards crafted from decommissioned wind turbine blades.
An initial range of ten prototype surfboards was produced using material from a retired blade from Victoria’s Waubra Wind Farm.
‘The creation of a surfboard prototype, developed locally, is an example of how we're reimagining the materials from decommissioned turbine blades and pushing the envelope of innovation when it comes to the circular economy,’ said Acciona Energia’s Global Sustainability Director, Mariola Domenech.
The surfboards are handcrafted by Mr Kerr and his team on the Gold Coast, with composite turbine blade material incorporated into the deck, fins and the outer shell.
Wind turbines have a life expectancy of 20-30 years. With some of Australia’s oldest wind turbines reaching the end of their service life, Acciona is exploring innovative ways to give them a second life.
Enter Turbine Made, Acciona’s initiative dedicated to repurposing decommissioned blades into new materials and products. In Europe, the company has already put old turbine blades underfoot – literally - by incorporating them into the soles of sneakers.
The business hopes to expand here at home, wanting to work with more Australian partners looking to explore opportunities in turbine blade recycling.
Brand and Marketing General Manager, Caroline Pinter, said, ‘The blade material we have created could be used to create a range of products - everything from children’s playgrounds and koala crossings for highways, to flame-resistant clothing for firefighters, homes for butterflies and artificial reefs.’
‘We’re excited to see the creative concepts that will come from innovators across Australia who want to help us advance the circular economy within renewables'.
So, the next time you spot a surfer effortlessly cutting across a wave, just remember - it might not be foam under their feet, but the remnants of a turbine blade that once carved the sky.