BladeBridge is the start-up company formed by Cork, Ireland based researchers from the Re-Wind Network. The purpose of the Re-Wind Network is to develop repurposing solutions for decommissioned wind turbine blades which are environmentally and socially superior to conventional products and disposal methods, as supported by research. The Re-Wind Network is a collection of faculty, staff and students at five academic institutions – Georgia Institute of Technology, University College Cork, Queen’s University Belfast, City University of New York and Munster Technological University – and industry affiliates. If you would like to read more aboout the Re-Wind Network follow here www.re-wind.info
Angie has a lifelong interest in community and business development in the area of waste repurposing. Her PhD research focused on combining Life Cycle Assessment and the Sustainable Development Goals to assess products made from discarded wind blade material. Previously, Angie started up The Baby Markets, and previous to that, was a process engineer for Boston Scientific and Intel. She has a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and Public Policy, an MSc in Biomedical Engineering, and a PhD in Environmental Engineering.
Kieran is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer and a lecturer in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at MTU. Kieran is a former director of RPS where he was Head of Bridges and he has 30 years’ experience in the design and delivery of civil engineering works of all scales. Kieran has an extensive industry and academic network in the engineering sector in Ireland. He was Chair of the Institution of Structural Engineers, Republic of Ireland Group in 2018 and 2019 and he is currently President of the Civil Engineering Research Association of Ireland. Kieran has active research projects in the area of repurposing composite materials including a recent award from SEAI. He designed and oversaw the fabrication and construction of the BladeBridge for Cork County Council.
Paul is a senior lecturer in Wind Energy in UCC’s School of Engineering and Architecture, and brings professional connections to the wind sector. He is a member of the Climate Change & Environmental Sciences Committee of the Royal Irish Academy and is on the Steering Group of IEA Task 45 on Wind Turbine Blade Recycling. He has mentored and managed over 15 graduate students and 10 research staff and worked in partnership with SMEs and MNCs to deliver R&D in the energy and environmental sectors. He can maintain our connection with the Re-Wind Network, and address IP issues with technology coming from the project.
Simon Dennehy is an Irish artist and industrial designer based in County Clare.
A graduate of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) since 2003, his practice operates at the intersection of research-led design, material innovation, design for Human Movement and public infrastructure.
In 2009 he founded Perch Studio, developing large-scale, research-driven products and environments in collaboration with European manufacturers. His work has been exhibited internationally and commercialised globally, with a strong focus on durability, ergonomics and long-term performance.
Simon has led and contributed to multi million euro EU research programmes, coordinating engineers, manufacturers and institutional partners. This experience has shaped a practice grounded in structural integrity, compliance and real-world delivery.
Alongside his design practice, Simon works directly with reclaimed wind turbine blades through BladeBridge, exploring their potential as long-life structural elements for civic and public applications. His work emphasises circularity not as theory, but as material practice. To date, Simon has developed many concepts using end of life turbine blades and worked with BladeBridge from concept through manufacturing and installation.
These collaborations have drawn international attention and encouraged wider engagement with repurposed materials as a viable foundation for high-quality design. His work and insights have been featured by RTÉ (Heated), the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI), and the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) as examples of innovative and collaborative practice.
Wind Turbine Blade Repurposing With BladeBridge.
