TWO TOWERS FOR ONE TOWN

Thursday July 10th 2003

Four massive sections of steel tower that will support the UK's tallest wind turbine have been placed in position at Swaffham, Norfolk. Engineers and staff from Ecotricity, the UK's first green electricity company, used three massive cranes to put sections of the turbine's tower together. The town now has two towers over 65m high, the new turbine dwarfs its predecessor by 18m standing 85m (278ft) at the hub. The final spectacular and complicated lifting operation that will raise and position the hub and blades is due to take place Friday July 11th, weather permitting.

Dale Vince, managing director of Ecotricity comments, "It's great to be building another wind turbine. This is what it is all about! - creating, clean energy sources. People see wind power as a serious solution to our need for energy, the residents of Swaffham have proved this. Within two weeks this turbine will be producing locally generated power. People across the county can choose to switch their supply and power their homes with green electricity at the same price as their local supplier."

When complete the turbine will generate enough power for over 1200 homes and combined with the existing turbine erected in 1999 will supply 75 % of Swaffham's total home electricity requirements, boosting Norfolk's total wind power by 30 %. Swaffham II was built following demands from local people after the success of the town's first turbine.
For further information contact:
Richard Tibenham on 01453 769 326 or Clare Summers on 01453 769 303 or visit www.ecotricity.co.uk

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