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Youngsters lay the foundations for a green future in Norfolk

12 May 2003

Dale with children from Swaffham First & Nursery School Children from Swaffham First & Nursery School helped to prepare the first foundations at Ecotricity's latest wind turbine site in Swaffham today (12 May). The turbine is being built in response to public demand from local residents who asked Ecotricity to provide more green power.

Dale Vince, managing director of Ecotricity comments, "Kids nowadays are much more aware of what's happening around them environmentally and are learning about climate change at school. We're involved in this area through our partnership with the Ecotech Centre, an educational facility which welcomes thousands of children every year eager to find out more about the environment.

"Electricity is the biggest contributor to climate change and as these kids grow up and have children of their own they'll feel its effects even more than we do today so it's apt that they're helping to lay the first foundations of this project. It is imperative that we all do our bit to help the next generation by reducing the carbon dioxide emissions created from conventional electricity production."

The exciting news is that for the first time Norfolk residents can buy the electricity generated by this wind turbine to power their homes - and at the same price as the local supplier, TXU. By switching to Ecotricity local people will be taking direct responsibility for the electricity they use and tackling climate change.

The 85 metre turbine at Swaffham - the UK's tallest wind turbine - will boost Norfolk's wind power by 30% and generate over 4 million units of green electricity each year - enough to power 1,258 local homes or 40% of households in Swaffham. The wind turbine will also reduce the emission of 3,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

The first Ecotricity wind turbine at Swaffham was opened by the Minister of State for the Environment, Michael Meacher in September 1999 who spoke at length about the "awe-inspiring" turbine which he hoped to see replicated across the country. Ecotricity hopes Mr Meacher will accept its invitation to open Swaffham ll.

Ends

Notes to Editors -

For further information contact:
Clare Summers on 01493 769303 or Nicola McDowall on 01493 769326; nicola.mcdowall@ecotricity.co.uk

1. Ecotricity is the only licensed electricity company dedicated to building urgently needed new green energy capacity to replace conventional polluting sources of electricity.

2. The building of Swaffham II is also part of Ecotricity's ambitious strategy to supply one million homes with its groundbreaking new green electricity tariff. The tariff, which is available to households throughout the country, won't cost customers more than conventional electricity, because Ecotricity match local electricity supplier prices.