A new retaining wall at Premier Credit Union near downtown Des Moines, Iowa is more than just a piece of infrastructure – it’s a symbol of innovation and sustainability. Built using material equal to three retired wind turbine blades, the project showcases how local company Renewablade is giving new life to old energy technology.
Wind turbine blades are massive and extremely difficult to recycle. Traditionally, many end up in landfills. Renewablade has created a method to process those blades into strong, reliable materials for projects like retaining walls, keeping waste out of landfills and creating lasting benefits.
“This wall shows what’s possible when we think differently about waste,” said Brian Meng of Renewablade. “We’re transforming old wind turbine blades into precast concrete products that are useful and built to last.”
The wall was installed by Iowa Contracting, a local construction partner that helped bring Renewablade’s innovative material to life.
The Premier Credit Union retaining wall is one of the first visible examples of Renewablade’s work in the Des Moines area. By turning an environmental challenge into an opportunity, the project highlights how green innovation can directly benefit local infrastructure.
Renewablade is an Iowa-based company committed to solving the challenge of recycling wind turbine blades. By transforming old blades into practical precast concrete products for construction and infrastructure.
Published September 2025
