Manchester Turbine Gets Go Ahead
by Treehugger Interns on 11.12.06
Way back in October 2005, Warren reported here on plans by Manchester City football club to build a giant wind turbine to power their stadium. The turbine, to be designed by architectural giant Norman Foster, was being billed as the largest land-based turbine in the country, and one of the biggest in Europe. A scheme this big was set to become a major landmark, and an iconic symbol of clean energy and civic pride. There was only one problem at the time - the plans were subject to receiving planning permission from Manchester City council. However, Treehugger is delighted to announce that the council recently voted unanimously in favour of the project, and the turbine is due to be installed by the end of next year.
Tom Russell, Chief Executive of New East Manchester Ltd, hailed the decision as a proud continuation of Manchester’s industrial heritage:
“This is a very welcome development, not only for the obvious environmental reasons but because it will continue the long history of energy production in this part of East Manchester. The SportCity site was a former coal pit and gasometers are still located there. Historically east Manchester took the lead in taking Manchester into industrialisation, therefore it is fitting that the area is pioneering the provision of renewable energy across the city.”
More details can be found on the Ecotricity website.
[Written by: Sami Grover]
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If only they did this in Australia for the G and the other stadiums, or even all the soccer stadiums around Europe and hopefully the grid-iron stadiums. That would be such a great help. Taking hundreds of thousands of ppl off the grid for 90minutes+ on a weekend
It is interesting to see how many European countries are waking up to alternative energy sources. Some time ago I came across a pan-european project to create a grid of wind energy, lets see if it will be implemented.
It doesn't sound that big a turbine -- from the 120m height to the 1250 (UK) homes rating, I'd peg it about the 1.8-2.0MW mark. These are the workhorse range of turbines these days.
I'd also rather have a respected wind turbine designer design it than Norman Foster add stuff that dilutes the function ...