Wind turbine blade fails in NSW storm

Safety concerns have emerged at Flyers Creek Wind Farm in NSW after a turbine blade snapped during recent storms.

Professor Amin Heidarpour (pictured) of Civil and Environmental Engineering talked with ABC Central West news about the incident.

“Normally, a wind turbine blade has a life span of about 20 to 25 years,” Professor Heidarpour explained. “Failure of a blade just six months after installation is a big shock.”

He noted turbines are designed to withstand winds over 100kph and typically shut down at 90kph. While he reassured the public that wind farms remain safe, Professor Heidarpour added “We should start to do a proper study to better understand what is the main cause behind the failure of these blades.”

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