Wind turbines have long been a key component of the renewable energy movement, providing cleaner energy solutions worldwide. However, as outlined in the 2024 news article “Recycling Wind Turbine Blades,” the challenge of managing decommissioned wind turbine blades is becoming increasingly pressing. These blades, constructed from durable composite materials, are notoriously difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills.
Fortunately, a Spanish infrastructure company is turning this waste problem into an opportunity for innovation. ACCIONA, a leader in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, has developed a groundbreaking solution to repurpose retired turbine blades into a surprising product: surfboards. In collaboration with professional surfer Josh Kerr’s surfboard company, Draft Surf, ACCIONA has introduced the world’s first surfboards made from decommissioned wind turbine blades [1].
Illustration by Gabby Rush
The Birth of Turbine Made
Handcrafted on Australia’s Gold Coast, these unique surfboards blend sustainability and performance. The boards incorporate strips of retired turbine blade material in the deck, with the fins made from recycled fibreglass. The outer layer of the boards is reinforced with tiny pieces of wind turbine blades, creating a durable, eco-friendly product that doesn’t compromise on quality or performance. These surfboards enhance speed, stability, and drive in the water, offering both an environmental and athletic edge [2].
The initiative, dubbed Turbine Made, officially launched in February, marking a groundbreaking step in recycling wind turbine blades. The prototype boards were created using materials from a retired turbine blade sourced from ACCIONA’s Waubra wind farm in Victoria, Australia.
“When ACCIONA approached us about being part of the solution and working together to create these surfboards, we jumped at the opportunity. At its core, our brand is about enabling the best surfing experience with quality products, in a sustainable way – which aligns with ACCIONA’s vision for Turbine Made,” said Josh Kerr, Australian professional surfer and founder of Draft Surf [1].
Tackling the Growing Waste Problem
As the world increasingly embraces renewable energy, the number of decommissioned wind turbine blades is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Experts predict that countries like Australia will face a substantial waste management challenge within the next five to ten years, as more turbines reach the end of their operational lives. However, it’s important to note that, as discussed in the 2021 article “The Next Step Towards Fully Recyclable Wind Turbines,“ Siemens Gamesa is working towards creating fully recyclable wind turbines by 2040.
“We know that in the next 5 to 10 years, countries like Australia will have a large volume of decommissioned wind turbine blades, so we’re acting now to explore new ways to recycle and reuse the material they are built from,” said Mariola Domenech, ACCIONA Energia’s Global Sustainability Director [1].
ACCIONA’s efforts are not only about recycling but also about embracing a circular economy. Their work reimagines how materials from wind turbine blades can be repurposed innovativly. In addition to the surfboards, previous projects include collaborations with brands like El Ganso to create trainers with recycled blade soles and using the material in solar tracker components at a solar plant in Spain [1].
A Bold Step for the Circular Economy
The Turbine Made project highlights the growing importance of sustainable, circular practices in the renewable energy sector. By giving a second life to the materials used in wind turbine blades, ACCIONA is helping to reduce waste while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with recycling.
“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 in the circular economy,” Domenech added [1].
As the world works toward a greener future, ACCIONA’s Turbine Made initiative is an inspiring reminder of the potential for innovation in tackling environmental challenges—proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.
So, the next time you’re out catching a wave, you might be riding a surfboard that’s helping the planet—made from the same material that once helped power it.
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References
[1] Interesting Engineering – World-first: Retired wind turbine clades recycled into surfboards by Spanish firm. Accessed on 03/03/25. Available at: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/world-first-retired-wind-turbine-blades-recycled-into-surfboards-by-spanish-firm
[2] The Chemical Engineer – Siemens Launches Recyclable Wind Turbine Blades. Accessed on 14/03/25. Available at: https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/siemens-launches-recyclable-wind-turbine-blades/
