Wind turbine blade breaks at Blood Hill in Somerton

What happened

Part of a wind turbine blade broke off and landed in a field amid strong winds during Storm Elin. The turbine is one of a pair built in 2015 at Blood Hill in Somerton near Great Yarmouth. The detached section landed about 20m from the tower on a Saturday, and the blade showed signs of damage. Blood Hill was the first wind farm built in Norfolk and was among the first operational in England in 1992.

Three other blades lying near the tower were covered in green algae, with long grass around them. The turbine was managed by E.on until 2012, when it was sold. The report does not name the current owner.

Contributing factors

Strong winds during Storm Elin. No other cause is reported.

Lessons learned

1. After a named storm, check blades and the ground around towers for detached fragments.
2. Distinguish newly failed parts from older blades already stored near a tower, so the failed element is correctly identified.
3. Where a site has changed hands, keep a clear record of who is responsible for inspection and repair.

Source

BBC News (bbc.com)