PHOTO: Cobar Shire councillor Lillian Simpson says she’s open to the project, but she has questions
A Cobar Shire councilor says she wants to see more information on the end-of-life cycle for WestWind’s proposed Cobar Wind Farm.
Lillian Simpson told the Western Plains App she is open to the project, which would include 30 wind turbines covering around 7800 hectares up around 25 kilometers north west of the Cobar township.
However, she is concerned over the wind blades’ recyclability.
“I’m a little bit of a sceptic underneath, but I don’t have a closed mind. It’s a new industry in Cobar, which is going to be good,” Cr Simpson said.
“It’s just that I worry for the day when they do wear out. From what I see, they can’t be recycled, they’ve got to be buried.”
Wind turbines generally last around 20-30 years, although it can vary depending on the quality of maintenance.
Most wind blades are largely made with fiberglass, which is non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle, meaning they tend to end up in landfill.
However the disposal challenge is far into the future…