A unique project in Wyoming is transforming discarded wind turbine blades into a functional snow fence and an inspiring public art installation. This initiative combines environmental sustainability with community support, offering a new perspective on repurposing industrial waste.
Key Takeaways
- Discarded wind turbine blades are being repurposed into a snow fence and art piece.
- The project is a collaboration between an artist, a recycling company, and a rescue mission.
- The installation, named "The Wall of Renewal," features murals of wild horses and handprints.
- It aims to provide winter access to a ranch property for the Wyoming Rescue Mission.
- The project demonstrates a viable solution for recycling large composite materials.
The Vision: Art Meets Practicality
Casper artist Chris Navarro, known for his bronze sculptures across the American West, conceptualized the project. He envisioned a structure that would serve as both a practical snow fence and an abstract sculpture.
Navarro calls the installation “The Wall of Renewal.” It uses 12 segments from a former Vestas wind turbine blade. These segments, each eight feet tall, are now installed on land leading to the Wyoming Rescue Mission’s ranch property in Esterbrook.
Project Fact
The wind turbine blade segments are from a Vestas turbine, a company that actively supports recycling efforts for its products.
The artistic element of the project will feature murals painted directly onto the blade pieces. Navarro’s goal was to create a piece of environmental architecture that also carries a symbolic message of hope.
ReviablEnergy's Innovation
Jake Milne, President of ReviablEnergy, a Casper-based wind-turbine blade recycling company, sees this project as a crucial step. Milne founded his company after observing the large number of wind turbine blades ending up in landfills.
For years, Milne has sought a project to demonstrate the feasibility of turning these blades into snow fencing for the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). This installation serves as a real-world proof of concept.
"We started looking at the possibility of building a snow fence and a sculpture at the same time," Navarro stated. "And that’s what we came up with."
Milne borrowed a backhoe to dig four-foot holes for the blade installations. Vestas, the original manufacturer of the turbine blade, provided assistance with the aerodynamics and optimal installation design. The sculpture's design transitions from wider to narrower blade sections.
Background on Wind Turbine Blades
Wind turbine blades are made from composite materials like fiberglass and resin. These materials are durable and lightweight but challenging to recycle using traditional methods. Finding innovative repurposing solutions is critical as more turbines reach the end of their operational life.
Vestas cut the blade into 19 sections and helped with shipping. Twelve specific sections were chosen for the sculpture and snow fence. This number symbolically represents the 12-step process often used in addiction recovery programs.
Supporting the Wyoming Rescue Mission
Brad Hopkins, Executive Director of the Wyoming Rescue Mission, highlights the project’s dual benefits. The snow fence will provide crucial winter access to the mission’s ranch property.
The mission has owned the ranch for a couple of years. They plan to develop it into a facility where residents can learn ranching skills and train horses for sale. Improved access is vital for expanding these opportunities.
Hopkins also sees a powerful symbolic connection between repurposing the blades and the mission's work. His organization helps individuals experiencing homelessness find renewed hope and a future.
"There is just such a parallel with our people coming out of homelessness at Wyoming Rescue Mission," Hopkins explained. "We are so thankful for Chris and for Jake."
The project sits on land owned by Tim Pexton, a neighboring rancher, who agreed to host the snow fence. This collaboration underscores the community-driven nature of the initiative.
The Art of Renewal
Navarro’s artistic vision for "The Wall of Renewal" is multifaceted. The public-facing side of the 12 blade segments will feature a mural of running wild horses. This imagery evokes freedom and resilience.
On the back of the sculpture, visible to mission ranch visitors, a different mural will take shape. This side will display colorful handprints from individual mission residents. These handprints will collectively spell out the word "Renewal."
- Wild Horse Mural: Depicts running wild horses on the roadside of the sculpture.
- Handprint Mural: Features colorful handprints of mission residents spelling "Renewal" on the ranch-facing side.
- Living Art: New handprints can be added each year, making it a dynamic, evolving piece.
Navarro emphasizes the uniqueness of each handprint, stating, "No two handprints are the same, yet together they spell one word, ‘Renewal.’" He plans to involve several mission residents in the painting process next summer.
The artist will dedicate a week next summer to coating and repainting the blades, followed by another week for painting the murals.
Looking to the Future
Milne conducted an initial check of the snow fence after recent snowfall, confirming its effectiveness. This early success is important for demonstrating the project's viability to WYDOT.
WYDOT regularly replaces wooden snow fences, incurring significant costs. Milne believes that repurposed turbine blades, with proper UV protection, could last much longer than traditional fencing materials.
Potential Applications
Beyond snow fences, Milne sees potential for repurposed blades in other applications, such as preventing sand erosion on beaches.
Navarro continues to explore other artistic uses for repurposed blades. He is discussing a "Wind Cathedral" sculpture with Platte River Trails and has designed another concept called "Windhenge."
The artist is actively seeking grant funding to cover the costs of the necessary coating and paint for "The Wall of Renewal." He believes this project, alongside the mission's efforts, demonstrates that renewal is not a single event but an ongoing movement.
"Because what’s been cast aside can stand again," Navarro concluded, summarizing the powerful message behind the project.