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25 Nov 2025

Updated at 2:00 PM, Tuesday 25 November 2025

The following is attributable to William Churchill, Clean Energy Council Chief Policy and Impact Officer:

“The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is continuing to work closely with wind industry manufacturers, relevant regulators and our member companies, following the discovery of asbestos within brake pads used in the internal service lifts of some wind turbines supplied by third-party manufacturers.

“Air quality testing by independent hygienists has confirmed no detection of airborne asbestos found in any affected turbines and therefore zero risk of community exposure. The risk to maintenance workers has also been assessed as very low.

“Regulators have been fully briefed and are satisfied with the swift and thorough response taken by industry to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all personnel. 

“All affected components have been isolated, testing is underway across the fleet and precautionary measures have been implemented.

“The affected brake pads are internal components and, in line with operator advice, access to turbines has been restricted and exclusion zones are in place around any units under assessment. Industry is proactively identifying, containing and removing suspect pads, and operators are already sourcing replacements.
The Clean Energy Council and our members take safety extremely seriously. Asbestos is banned for use in Australia and we have zero tolerance for its use in any products.
William Churchill Clean Energy Council Chief Policy and Impact Officer

“Manufacturers of these parts generally have global operations and service a range of industries that involve working at heights. The industry is in the process of reviewing how asbestos-containing materials were able to enter Australia and make their way into project supply chains. That work is already underway with regulators and industry. 

“The Clean Energy Council and our members take safety extremely seriously. Asbestos is banned for use in Australia and we have zero tolerance for its use in any products. 

“We will continue to support members, share information across the industry, and work with authorities to ensure this issue is fully resolved and safeguards are strengthened where required. 

“We will provide further updates as investigations continue.”

ENDS

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: 

Liam Straughan
Clean Energy Council Media Officer
+61 409 470 683

Email the media team
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