What Happens To Retired Wind Turbines? NZ Innovators Design Reuse Of 97 Housings

Manawatū, New Zealand – 8 January 2026 — Nearly 100 surplus wind turbine housings are seeking a second life as New Zealand’s first-generation wind farms reach the end of their operating life. An initiative is offering 97 retired fibreglass turbine housings for innovative repurposing, diverting them from landfill or shredding. These housings come from the country’s first large-scale wind turbines, commissioned in 2006.

To spark creativity, Manawatū-based companies Precycle NZ and Central Environmental will host a 24-hour hackathon in February. Designers, engineers, students, businesses, and members of the public are invited to propose alternative uses for the retired turbine housings.

The initiative is supported by Meridian Energy, which is sponsoring a $3,000 prize pool. There has also been support from Manawatū District Council, Composites Association of New Zealand, Environment Network Manawatū, with in-kind support from Enviroschools, The Factory, Young Engineers and other local businesses and organisations.

Meridian is in the process of repowering the Te Rere Hau wind farm, located near Palmerston North, which benefits from some of the best wind resources in New Zealand. Repowering will involve the removal of the existing 91 turbines, followed by the design, construction, and operation of up to 39 new turbines with a total generation capacity of up to 170 megawatts. This will be New Zealand’s first wind farm repowering project and has the potential to generate around seven times the current annual renewable energy output from the site.

As part of this process, Meridian is carefully considering how materials from the existing turbines can be responsibly managed. The nacelles, in particular, present a challenge as they are made from composite materials that are not readily recyclable. Meridian is keen to explore innovative reuse options that could give these components a valuable second life, rather than seeing them treated as waste.

While the hackathon is designed to generate fresh ideas, organisers welcome practical or innovative proposals from anyone, whether or not they attend the event. Precycle founder and CEO Nelson Harper says the challenge highlights the growing importance of planning for the full lifecycle of renewable energy infrastructure.

“These structures were built to last decades, and now we need to think just as carefully about what happens at the end of their working life,” Harper said. “We’re keen to hear from anyone with a good idea, whether that’s through the hackathon or independently.”

The turbine housings are primarily made from fibreglass, a durable material that is difficult to recycle at scale. As more early-generation wind farms are upgraded or decommissioned in the coming years, similar challenges are expected across the sector.

Organisers say the project aims to test whether reuse, repurposing, or redesign can provide viable alternatives to disposal while also raising awareness of end-of-life planning for renewable energy assets.

To sign up contact info@precycle.co.nz or fill out this sign up link - https://form.jotform.com/260037902944053

About Precycle NZ

Precycle NZ is a Manawatū-based circular economy company focused on reducing waste & extending the life of materials through reuse, redesign, and practical innovation. The company works with councils, businesses, and event organisers to deliver waste audits, event waste management, and circular design projects that identify inefficiencies in existing waste systems and develop science-backed solutions to divert materials from landfill.

Through applied research, pilot projects, and industry collaboration, Precycle NZ supports organisations to improve environmental performance while creating practical, scalable outcomes across waste, resource recovery, and material reuse.

About Central Environmental

Central Environmental Ltd is a recycling company built around family values and committed to sustainability in the construction sector. Based in the central and lower North Island, the company has a strong reputation for professional environmental services with a clear goal of diverting all construction and demolition (C&D) waste from landfills by recycling it into reusable materials. Their recycling work includes processing concrete, timber, steel, glass, plasterboard and other demolition materials, helping builders and contractors reduce waste and support more sustainable building practices.

Driven by this commitment, Central Environmental has diversified and expanded the services it offers, reflecting its mission to minimise construction waste and create value from diverted materials. The company’s strategic focus on recycling and reuse not only supports environmental outcomes but also strengthens its role as a trusted partner within the local construction and waste management community. Accredited with Greenstar and approved under Toitū Gold, Central Environmental also helps builders meet project waste reporting and sustainability certification requirements.

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