A star rises in the east

09 July 2003

The final construction phase for the completion of the UK's tallest wind turbine has begun at Swaffham in Norfolk. Engineers and staff from Ecotricity, the UK's first green electricity company, are using three massive cranes to put sections of the turbine's tower together. The spectacular and complicated lifting manoeuvre that will raise and position the hub and blades is due to take place on Friday July 11th, weather permitting.

Components were delivered to the site, located at Sporle Road, Swaffham, Norfolk, yesterday, having arrived through Harwich and Immingham from Europe.

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.