Yes to Suffolk's first wind turbine

10 December 2002

Ecotricity has been given planning permission to build Suffolk's first wind turbine. The green light came from Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott who agreed to the appeal by Ecotricity after an initial planning application was refused by the local council.

A pioneering wind energy developer and the UK's first green electricity company, Ecotricity plans to build a 600kW wind turbine at Ness Point in Lowestoft - the most easterly point in the UK. This new renewable energy development will provide clean electricity for over 500 local homes or 1% of people living in Waveney District, every year.

In March 2001 Ecotricity issued a planning application and environmental statement for the proposed project after extensive feasibility studies and consultation. However Waveney District Council Planning Department refused to give permission for the project in April 2002. Ecotricity appealed against this decision, arguing that the site is suitable for wind energy development and has no negative planning or environmental impacts.

Dale Vince, Managing Director of Ecotricity says, "I'm chuffed. It has taken a long time, too long, to get the right decision. We're looking forward to bringing wind energy to Suffolk. I hope this will be the first of many."

Once built the project will save the environment the emission of nearly 1,500 tonnes of CO2, every year for around 30 years.