Transforming Wind into Waves: ACCIONA’s Groundbreaking Surfboards

In an era where sustainability is a pressing global concern, the challenge of managing waste from renewable energy infrastructure is emerging as a new frontier. As wind farms worldwide expand and age, the question of what to do with decommissioned wind turbine blades—once considered nearly impossible to recycle—has gained attention.

Enter ACCIONA, a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, which is transforming public perception of waste through its innovative Turbine Made initiative. In a world-first, ACCIONA has partnered with professional surfer Josh Kerr and his surfboard brand, Draft Surf, to create high-performance surfboards crafted from retired wind turbine blades.

The Connection to Gladstone’s Renewable Future

While this project focuses on wind energy, it aligns closely with Gladstone’s role in Australia’s renewable energy transition. As a hub for solar innovation, hydrogen development, and large-scale energy projects, Gladstone is at the forefront of shaping the future of clean energy. Just as ACCIONA is finding new ways to repurpose wind turbine blades, similar efforts are being explored in solar panel recycling—an emerging challenge as older panels near the end of their lifespan.

The Aldoga Solar Farm, a 380MW project by ACCIONA Energía, is set to power nearly 185,000 homes and cut carbon emissions by 930,000 tonnes annually. As part of its commitment to sustainability, the project has incorporated 550km of recycled cable cover from Plastic Forests, an Australian company turning soft plastics into reusable materials.

With Queensland investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar farms and hydrogen production in Gladstone, the lessons learned from the Turbine Made initiative could inspire local approaches to repurposing solar materials. The same circular economy principles—taking difficult-to-recycle materials and turning them into valuable new products—could drive sustainable manufacturing in Gladstone, opening doors for innovation and job creation.

Revolutionising Waste with Innovation

Traditionally, wind turbine blades have been challenging to recycle due to their composite materials, which include fiberglass and resin. Until now, most blades at the end of their lifecycle have been sent to landfills. ACCIONA’s initiative is changing that narrative by pioneering new ways to repurpose these materials into functional and desirable products.

Through its Turbine Made initiative, ACCIONA has taken a decommissioned blade from its Waubra Wind Farm in Victoria and repurposed it into a prototype range of ten surfboards. The project showcases how advanced recycling efforts can go beyond waste reduction and actively contribute to new industries.

From Wind to Water: The Making of a Sustainable Surfboard

Each surfboard in the Turbine Made project is handcrafted on the Gold Coast and features repurposed turbine blade strips built into the deck, providing strength and flex control. The fins, made from recycled fibreglass, offer stability and speed, while additional blade particulate is incorporated into the fibreglassing process for durability. The result is a high-performance surfboard that not only meets professional standards but also embodies the principles of circular economy.

Josh Kerr, an Australian pro surfer and founder of Draft Surf, was excited to collaborate on the project. “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.”

Shaping the Future of Recycling

The surfboard project is just one example of ACCIONA’s broader efforts to give new life to decommissioned wind turbine blades. The company has previously collaborated with European fashion brand El Ganso to create sneakers with soles featuring recycled blade material. Additionally, ACCIONA has integrated recycled turbine blade components into the torsion beams of solar trackers at a solar plant in Spain.

Further cementing its commitment to end-of-life turbine solutions, ACCIONA is developing a wind turbine blade recycling plant in Navarra, Spain, set to open in 2026. The facility will process 6,000 tonnes of material per year and create 100 jobs, underscoring the economic potential of a circular economy approach.

Changing the Conversation Around Waste

Projects like Turbine Made do more than just find new uses for waste materials—they shift the way communities, businesses, and individuals think about recycling and sustainability. By transforming old turbine blades into high-performance surfboards, ACCIONA is proving that waste can be an opportunity for innovation rather than an environmental burden.

Mariola Domenech, ACCIONA Energía’s Global Sustainability Director, emphasized the importance of acting now. “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 exploring new ways to recycle and reuse the material.

The creation of a surfboard prototype is an example of how we’re reimagining these materials and pushing the boundaries of the circular economy.”

A Call for Innovation

ACCIONA has opened an Expressions of Interest call on its website, inviting Australian innovators, designers, and manufacturers to develop new applications for recycled turbine blade material. From playgrounds and artificial reefs to flame-resistant clothing and wildlife crossings, the possibilities are endless.

The growing number of wind farms reaching their end-of-life stage highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions. As of 2023, 31 wind farms across Australia, comprising nearly 600 turbines, were over 15 years old—indicating that many blades will need replacement in the coming years. By fostering creative partnerships and investing in circular economy initiatives, ACCIONA is not only addressing this challenge but also inspiring a shift toward sustainable product design.

The Future of Circular Economy in Renewable Energy

Sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about ensuring that what we build today doesn’t become tomorrow’s environmental challenge. ACCIONA’s Turbine Made initiative is a testament to the power of innovation in driving the circular economy forward. By turning decommissioned wind turbine blades into surfboards, sneakers, and industrial components, ACCIONA is proving that renewable energy infrastructure can remain sustainable long after its first life cycle ends.

With wind power continuing to grow as a key energy source worldwide, the need for solutions like these will only increase. By engaging with communities, manufacturers, and innovators, ACCIONA is paving the way for a future where sustainability and creativity go hand in hand.