Sweden launches wind-powered car park built from old turbine blades

Sweden has launched the Niels Bohr car park in Lund’s Brunnshög district, a pioneering facility constructed using 57 recycled wind turbine blades from the decommissioned Nørre Økse Sø wind farm operated by Vattenfall. These blades, typically difficult to recycle due to their composite glass and carbon fiber materials, were repurposed as non-load-bearing “curtain walls” covering much of the building’s façade. The five-story car park offers 365 spaces, including 40 electric vehicle charging points, and features sustainability elements such as solar panels on the roof and pollinator-friendly plants on the façade. Architect Jonas Lloyd emphasized the project’s role as a symbol and practical example of sustainability and circular economy principles. For Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest wind energy developers, the project demonstrates that large-scale circular solutions can meet cost, safety, and scheduling demands. The company has committed to recycling 100% of its turbine blades by 2030 and has banned