Denmark turned a retired wind turbine blade into a bicycle shelter in 2019; 7 years later, it remains a model for circular urban design

In 2019, the Port of Aalborg in Denmark found an unusual use for a discarded wind turbine blade. Instead of cutting it into smaller pieces for disposal or fuel, the port turned part of it into a shelter for bicycles. The idea came from a simple need; the port needed a new bicycle shed, and an online search gave Brian D. Rasmussen an unexpected solution.

Rasmussen works with construction and environmental matters at the port. While looking at bicycle shelter designs, he spotted one in New York that reminded him of a wind turbine blade. Since Siemens Gamesa operates a major blade factory next to the harbour, he had a way to explore the idea.