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Road Ahead Clear for Wind Power

25 July 2003

London's first wind park gets second green light

A pioneering new project that will revolutionize the way factories are powered and boost London's renewable energy production was given planning approval last night by the London Borough of Havering.

The council's Planning Committee approved an application from Ecotricity, the UK's first green energy supplier, and car manufacturer Ford to build two wind turbines at Ford's Dagenham plant.

The decision comes a week after Barking and Dagenham Council approved an application for a third turbine at the factory. The final say on the scheme now rests with the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone who has two weeks to adjudicate on the proposal, following receipt of the planning committee's notification.

Welcoming Havering's decision Dale Vince, Ecotricity's Managing Director, said, "This is a wise decision, it sets the scene for a radical change in the way manufacturers power their operations and will set a great example to others to take responsibility for their impact on the environment. Ecotricity is forging ahead with similar partnerships that will increase the use of renewable energy in the industrial sector. These turbines will make a significant contribution to the Capital's target for clean energy and mark it as a forward thinking city."

When complete the turbines will provide 100% of the electricity requirements of Ford's new Clean Room Assembly Hall that is being built to expand production of high-tech diesel engines at the Dagenham engine plant. This is equivalent to enough electricity to power over 3,000 homes (around 10 million units per annum). This will mean that all Ford's European diesel engines will have been made using wind power.

Ends

Notes to Editors -

For further information contact: Richard Tibenham on t: 01453 769 326 or e: richard.tibenham@ecotricity.co.uk

1. Ecotricity started the UK's green electricity market place in 1996.
2. The turbines were designed by Sir Norman Foster, designer of the British Museum Great Court, Stansted Airport and the Millennium Bridge.
3. This is Ecotricity's second Merchant Wind Power initiative and the second fully commercial wind development in the country, the first of which Ecotricity built in 2001 for Sainsbury's. Merchant Wind Power enables organisations to have their own dedicated wind turbine, built on or off their site by Ecotricity.