Wind turbine head collapses at Mawson research station, Antarctica
Nov 2017Published 15 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor
- Where
- Mawson research station, Antarctica
- Operator
- Australian Antarctic Division
- What
- Wind turbine head fell to the ground
- Injuries
- None reported
- Cause
- Under investigation
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Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): Australian Antarctic Division, Enercon
What happened
Part of a wind turbine at Mawson research station in Antarctica, operated by the Australian Antarctic Division, collapsed overnight. The head of the turbine, an Enercon E30 unit measuring 30 metres in height, fell to the ground at approximately 9pm local station time. No one was injured, as all expeditioners were safely inside living quarters at the time. Wind conditions in the preceding days were described as moderate for the location, with gusts up to 40 knots.
As a precaution, the station's second wind turbine, which had operated alongside the failed unit since 2003, was deactivated, and diesel generators were used to maintain power supply. The cause of the collapse was unknown at the time of reporting and was to be investigated. Enercon, the turbine manufacturer, was notified of the incident.
Contributing factors
The cause of the collapse was unknown and under investigation at the time of reporting. Moderate wind gusts up to 40 knots were noted as the prevailing conditions, though described as within the normal range for the location.
Lessons learned
- An Enercon E30 turbine head can detach and fall even in moderate winds up to 40 knots, so operators should inspect hub and tower connections on similar units after any sign of movement.
- When one turbine of a pair fails, deactivating the second unit prevents a repeat collapse while the cause is found, so insurers should require paired turbines to have independent shutdown procedures.
- A nacelle failure at a remote site leaves the station reliant on diesel generators, so operators should keep fuel stocks and generator capacity sized for full load after any turbine loss.
More lessons on structural integrity and turbines, from every incident on the register.
Not yet known
- Exact cause of the collapse
- Age and maintenance history of the turbine
- Duration of diesel generator use
- Cost of repair or replacement
This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.
Source
Published 2026-09-15. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.
