Tehachapi, California, has introduced an innovative public art project with the unveiling of “energy” benches made from recycled wind turbine blades. This initiative marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy, sustainability, and public art, while also contributing to the beautification of public spaces.
The benches were unveiled on June 4, 2025, as part of a collaboration between the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce and several local and regional partners, including the City of Tehachapi, AES, Hydrostor, BHE Renewables, Terra-Gen, Southern California Edison, Waste Management, and Knight Building Systems. The first bench was installed in front of the Chamber office, with additional installations planned at the American Legion, Visitor Center, and near the pickleball courts by the police department.
These benches, valued between $5,000 and $8,000 each, are crafted from upcycled wind turbine blades, blending art with functionality. They serve not only as a place to sit but also as an interactive piece of public art that promotes awareness about the importance of sustainable energy practices in the region. The benches feature engraved icons representing various energy sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric power, battery storage, and emerging technologies.
Educational Features and QR Codes
The benches go beyond being simply a place to rest. They are designed to educate the public about Kern County’s energy mix and the role of renewable energy in the local economy. Each bench includes a QR code, which links to a digital platform where visitors can learn more about the region’s energy industry. This feature makes the benches an interactive tool for public education, allowing residents and visitors to explore the technologies powering the region and understand Tehachapi’s energy efforts.
As Clare Scotti, Executive Director of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce, explained, the benches symbolize “a bridge between our past and our future in renewable energy.” By recycling wind turbine blades into functional public art, Tehachapi is honoring its rich energy heritage while promoting innovation in renewable energy.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainability
The project reflects a strong collaboration between local government, private companies, and civic organizations. These partnerships ensure that the benches serve as not only public art but also an enduring reminder of the importance of renewable energy in daily life. By strategically placing the benches in high-traffic areas, they are designed to capture the attention of the public and inspire conversations about sustainable energy practices.
In addition to their educational role, the benches highlight the variety of energy sources powering California’s green energy transition. From wind and solar power to emerging technologies, these benches help raise awareness about the diverse energy options that are shaping the future.
Tehachapi’s Commitment to Renewable Energy
Tehachapi has long been recognized for its leadership in wind energy. The Tehachapi Wind Resource Area is home to one of the largest wind farms in the U.S., generating a significant portion of California’s renewable energy. The new energy benches are a natural extension of Tehachapi’s commitment to clean energy, allowing residents and visitors to connect with the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
Placed in key public spaces, these benches provide more than just a place to relax—they act as educational landmarks that encourage reflection and dialogue about the role individuals and businesses play in creating a sustainable future. The benches offer a new way to engage the community with renewable energy, showing that sustainability can be both functional and beautiful.
A Model for Other Cities
Tehachapi’s energy benches set an example for other cities looking to combine public art with sustainability efforts. By using recycled materials, Tehachapi demonstrates how cities can creatively engage with energy themes, making sustainability a visible and interactive part of public life. The benches are a testament to how creativity and innovation can foster a culture of sustainability.
For more information on the new energy benches and their locations, visit the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce website. This project highlights Tehachapi’s commitment to a resilient, low-carbon future and demonstrates how public art can play a role in driving change.