Super Typhoon Yagi’s devastating impact on China’s Hainan province has reignited discussions about wind farm manufacturing quality and the need for onshore production of renewable energy assets in Australia.
The typhoon, which made landfall on September 7, 2024, with winds reaching up to 300 km/h, caused severe damage to at least five or six massive turbines at a coastal wind farm in Hainan.
The destruction has prompted industry experts to emphasise the importance of stringent quality control measures in wind turbine manufacturing.
Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, stated: “The incident in China highlights the critical importance of stringent quality control measures in wind turbine manufacturing.
“By bringing production onshore, Australia can implement rigorous standards and oversight, ensuring that our wind infrastructure is built to withstand the unique challenges of our climate and protect public safety.”
Australian wind tower manufacturers face stiff competition from overseas suppliers, particularly from Vietnam, China, and Indonesia.
However, concerns have been raised about the quality of imported wind towers, which reportedly do not adhere to Australian Standards.
In contrast, local fabricators comply with internationally recognised Australian Standards, such as AS/NZS ISO 3834, and are certified by relevant Australian authorities.
The global transition to renewable energy is expected to increase demand for wind towers, potentially exacerbating quality and safety issues in overseas manufacturing.
This situation could lead to reduced quality and increased scarcity of supply.
Crittenden emphasised the potential benefits of onshoring wind tower production in Australia, stating: “Onshoring wind tower manufacturing is not just about creating jobs; it’s about building a safe, resilient energy future. By onshoring wind tower production, Australia can set new global standards for quality and safety in renewable energy infrastructure.”
Weld Australia is calling on Australian governments to take decisive action:
- Mandate that all steelwork for renewable energy projects, both local and imported, is manufactured and erected according to Australian Standards.
- Foster a sovereign wind tower manufacturing industry.
- Create jobs in regional areas.
- Ensure public safety through rigorous quality control.
“With the right investment and policy support, Australia has the potential to become a leader in wind tower manufacturing,” Crittenden added.
“We have the skills, the resources, and the determination to build world-class, high-quality wind farms that will power our nation for generations to come.”
As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events like Super Typhoon Yagi, the call for robust, locally manufactured renewable energy infrastructure grows stronger.
The Australian government’s response to these industry concerns could shape the future of the country’s renewable energy sector and its resilience to natural disasters.
