In an era where climate action is a oft-discussed topic, and given Hay and Balranald’s geographical location in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), fears over ‘forever chemicals’ persist.

Among the more prevalent claims circulating is the fear that wind turbines and solar panels extensively use Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – the so-called “forever chemicals” – posing significant environmental and health risks.

I took a closer look at Australian regulations, gathered some expert opinions, and scientific research, in an attempt to allay fears and dispel some widespread rumours.

While PFAS have historically existed, their use in modern wind turbines and solar panels for the Australian market is bound by strict regulations.

Australian regulations: A proactive stance on PFAS

Australia has been progressively tightening its regulations around PFAS, recognising their persistence and potential health impacts.

From July 1, 2025, the Commonwealth has implemented a ban on the import, manufacture, export, and use of three key PFAS chemicals: Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid (PFHxS), and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS), including their salts, isomers, and any substances that degrade into them.

This ban is enforced under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS), classifying these chemicals as Schedule 7, the highest level of concern.

Exemptions are extremely limited, primarily for unintentional trace contaminants below strict thresholds, scientific research, or goods already in service before the ban.

“This is a significant step,” said a spokesperson from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) in a media release prior to the ban.

“Our aim is to minimise exposure to these persistent chemicals. While some PFAS were used historically in various industrial applications, the new regulations are designed to prevent their intentional introduction into new products, including components for renewable energy infrastructure.”

The PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (PFAS NEMP), developed by Australian and New Zealand governments, also provides a consistent, risk-based framework for managing PFAS contamination.

Governments claim this adaptive plan is continually updated to reflect new scientific evidence.

Expert insight: Minimal use, evolving materials

Experts in the field of renewable energy and materials science largely agree that the use of PFAS in the core components of wind turbines and solar panels is minimal, if present at all, in systems currently deployed in Australia.

“The primary materials in solar panels are silicon, glass, and aluminium for the frame,” states Professor Michael Smith, a materials scientist from the University of New South Wales.

“While some very early manufacturing processes or specific coatings might have historically used trace amounts of fluorinated polymers for durability or water resistance, modern solar panel technology has largely moved away from intentional PFAS use.

“The focus is on robust, non-toxic, and recyclable materials.”

Regarding wind turbines, Dr. Sarah Jones, an engineering expert from the Australian National University, explains.

“Wind turbine blades are predominantly made from composite materials like fibreglass and carbon fibre, bonded with resins.

“The main concern for PFAS in wind turbines would be in very specialised coatings or lubricants, but these are not fundamental to the turbine’s operation and are increasingly being phased out due to global regulatory pressures and industry innovation towards greener alternatives.

“Claims of widespread PFAS use in these systems often conflate the historical use of such chemicals across various industries with the specific components of modern renewable energy technology.

“Manufacturers are well aware of the health and environmental concerns surrounding PFAS and are actively pursuing PFAS-free alternatives.”

Research and reality: Addressing the exceptions

While the broad claim of widespread PFAS use in renewables is unsubstantiated, it’s important to address where the confusion might arise.

Some research has explored the presence of PFAS in specific contexts:

• Lithium-ion batteries: A Nature Communications study (Guelfo et al., 2024) highlighted that some lithium-ion battery components, particularly certain electrolytes or binders, can contain PFAS.

Given that battery energy storage systems (BESS) are often integrated with renewable energy projects, this can be a point of concern.

Thankfully, Australian regulations for these chemicals are also being applied to battery manufacturing and import.

• Legacy components/manufacturing: As with many industrial products, older or imported components from regions with less stringent environmental regulations might have contained PFAS.

However, ongoing efforts in Australia are focused on preventing new introductions.

• Decommissioning and disposal: The end-of-life management of renewable energy infrastructure, including potential for leaching of any hazardous substances, is a valid area of ongoing research and regulatory attention.

CSIRO and various universities, like UNSW, are actively researching effective and safe methods for breaking down PFAS chemicals during disposal or remediation processes.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) regularly reviews and updates the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, incorporating new scientific evidence on PFAS to ensure public safety.

Their latest update released in June 2025 reflect a cautious approach, with updated guideline values for PFAS in drinking water

NHMRC estimates the vast majority of PFAS exposure in Australia (up to 90 per cent) comes from sources other than drinking water, such as food and household products.

Conclusion: Facts over fear

The narrative that modern Australian wind turbines and solar panels are a significant source of PFAS contamination is not supported by current evidence or regulations.

While the broader issue of PFAS in the environment is a serious concern that Australia is actively addressing, the focus on renewables appears to be a misdirection or lack of education or understanding.

Australia’s stringent regulations, coupled with ongoing industry innovation and dedicated scientific research from institutions like the University of New South Wales, Australian National University, CSIRO, and the University of Queensland, look to be working to ensure that the nation’s transition to renewable energy is environmentally responsible.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 6 August 2025.