In recent decades, wind energy has surged across the globe. But most wind turbines have a life span of about 20 years, meaning the massive infrastructure boom of wind energy is now generating some waste.
The good news? Innovative professionals are finding ways to recycle decommissioned wind turbines — and the newest case study might even help you “hang ten.”
ACCIONA, a global renewable energy company, has partnered with professional surfer Josh Kerr, and his surfboard brand, Draft Surf, to create the world’s first surfboards made from decommissioned wind turbine blades.
“We know that in the next 10 to 15 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,” ACCIONA’s global sustainability director Mariola Domenech said in a statement.
The surfboard prototype is created from a decommissioned blade from the company’s Waubra wind farm in Victoria, Australia. It features repurposed turbine blade stripes built into the deck of the surfboard “for strength and flex control.”
The fins of the board are made from recycled fiberglass and reportedly “provide stability, drive, and speed.” Lastly, the outer shell of the board incorporates recycled turbine blade particulates into the fiberglassing process.
Ten prototype boards have been made as part of ACCIONA’s “Turbine Made” initiative, which is Australia’s first program to explore innovative ways to transform retired turbine blades into new products.
Most elements that make up wind turbines are recyclable, Domenech explained in a video for the new boards. However, some composite materials in the blades are difficult to recycle; this is the material that was layered into the deck and fins of Kerr’s 10 surfboards.
“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 when it comes to the circular economy,” Domenech added.
In the past, ACCIONA has used decommissioned blades to create sneaker soles. The company has also integrated recycled blade materials into solar trackers at a solar plant in Spain. Next, ACCIONA is developing a blade recycling plant in Navarra, Spain, which is set to become operational in 2026.
ACCIONA estimates the new plant will create 100 jobs and have a processing capacity of 6,000 tons of material per year.
“Sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste — it’s about product stewardship, ensuring that what we build today doesn’t become tomorrow’s environmental challenge,” Domenech said.
For now, pro-surfer Kerr is simply excited for what the future holds when it comes to sustainable surfing.
“When ACCIONA approached us about being part of the solution and working together to create these surfboards, we jumped at the opportunity,” he said in a statement.
“At its core, our brand is about enabling the best surviving experience with quality products in a sustainable way — which aligns with ACCIONA’s vision for Turbine Made.”
As for how well the boards handle the waves?
“Far out,” Kerr said.
“That was not what I was expecting,” he added after trialing the prototype. “We definitely pushed some boards to their limits, and they held up beautifully, performed great, and wow, the waves were something special.”
Header image courtesy of ACCIONA
