In Great Britain, inspectors detected asbestos in wind turbines in June 2026, as brake components in service lifts and hoists apparently contain Chinese-made chrysotile. According to current information, at least 1,000 turbines are affected. The substance has been banned in the United Kingdom since 1999. The focus is not on the rotor blades, but rather on components used by technicians during maintenance work inside the tower. Consequently, operators are inspecting the turbines, while unions are demanding information regarding liability, costs, and occupational safety.
Prohibited substance found in service lift brakes
The affected components are located in the brakes of service lifts and lifting systems. These systems transport maintenance personnel up inside the towers. Consequently, the discovery primarily affects inspection, repair, and replacement. For power generation, this finding does not automatically result in an immediate outage.
Image: Shuterstock
Chrysotile is a form of white asbestos. The material was formerly widely used in brake pads. However, its import or use has been banned in Great Britain for decades. This is precisely why the discovery represents more than just a standard material defect.
Asbestos in wind turbines reveals supply chain gaps
Several manufacturers launched investigations following the discovery. In a safety alert, Avanti identified the M508 brake model and traced the components to a Chinese supplier. Additionally, the manufacturer reported that measured airborne fiber levels were below 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter.
Hailo also confirmed the presence of tightly bound chrysotile fibers in certain centrifugal brakes. The brake remains closed during normal operation, resulting—according to current assessments—in only low acute exposure. However, maintenance and replacement of specific brake pads are to be suspended for the time being, as opening the system could release fibers.
Authorities currently assess acute exposure as low
The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) considers the exposure identified so far to be very low. Nevertheless, it is working with the industry on the safe removal of affected components. It is crucial that specialist companies remove the brakes in a controlled manner. Furthermore, operators must prevent maintenance personnel from working on affected parts without protective equipment.
The wind industry points to measurements showing no significant airborne contamination. However, this does not alter the core issue. The presence of asbestos in wind turbines demonstrates that supplier certifications alone are insufficient; operators must also inspect individual assemblies sourced from global supply chains.
Union demands clarification regarding responsibility
The GMB union is therefore demanding a full investigation. Louise Gilmour of GMB Scotland noted that Great Britain banned asbestos decades ago because the material killed workers and their families. The union also criticizes the fact that hazardous components must now be removed at great expense and effort. So far, there is no indication that operators or lift suppliers were aware of the asbestos. Attention is therefore turning to suppliers, certificates, and pre-installation inspections. The situation could prove costly for operators, as they must inspect systems, hire specialist firms, and replace affected components.
Australia had already issued warnings regarding similar components.
The issue extends beyond Great Britain. Australian authorities had previously warned about brake pads containing asbestos in wind farm lifts; warnings specifically cited systems from 3S Industry, Avanti lifts, and Hailo hoists, among others. Consequently, Queensland recommended treating certain lift and hoisting systems as if they contained asbestos until they could be inspected.
This case serves as a warning signal for the wind energy sector. Modern wind farms rely on global supply chains for components, yet occupational safety and regulations governing materials are overseen at the national level. The presence of asbestos in wind turbines illustrates how a banned substance can enter energy infrastructure through imported assemblies. Operators therefore need to implement stricter inspections before installing safety-critical components.
Author: Blackout News
Sources: Daily Business (29.96.26) – Scottish Busines News (20.06.26) – The Times (20.06.26) – Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (21.06.26) – WorkSafe (23.01.26)