Wind Energy

East Midlands Airport to install wind turbines

Penny Coates, East Midland Airport’s managing director, said: "In addition to the four wind turbines, we have increased the proportion of energy that comes from renewable sources and introduced a number of environmental measures…to reduce the impact on the environment.

"The turbines are another very substantial investment in environmental management by the airport." Work has started in preparation for two wind turbines to be installed at East Midlands Airport. The wind turbines, thought to be the first at a UK airport, are due to be installed in March.

Ground clearance and foundation work has started in readiness for the turbines, which will produce about 5% of the airport’s electricity. They will stand 45m (148ft) high and the rotor blades will have a radius of about 14m (46ft).

East Midlands Airport has been given planning permission to install a total of four wind turbines. Neil Robinson, director of sustainability, said: "We are delighted to have started the ground works for the wind turbines.

"We will be the first UK airport to install turbines on this scale and the road to get here has been challenging. "The wind turbines will be installed for 20 years and we see it as a significant investment for the airport and the environment.

"Throughout the process, we have been careful to ensure that they will have no effect on our operations or be obtrusive for neighbours."

www.bbc.co.uk