Swaffham I, Ecotech Centre

Swaffham I is the UK's first multi-megawatt wind turbine and one of a new generation of direct drive, variable speed wind turbines, brought to the UK by Ecotricity.

The turbine was installed at the Ecotech Centre in Swaffham, Norfolk in October 1999 and officially opened by the Environment Minister, Michael Meacher. It produces enough electricity for over 1,000 people - over a third of the population of Swaffham.

The Ecotech Centre is an environmental education centre and Swaffham I includes a viewing platform, which has already been visited by over 50,000 people. The unique public viewing platform, designed by Foster & Partners, is situated just below the hub and can be reached by climbing a 300-step spiral staircase inside the tower.

Swaffham I is superior to conventional electricity generators, in terms of energy efficiency and yield, as well as having minimal environmental impact. An official Millennium Product, this world leading wind converter incorporates unique design advancements and refinements to increase aerodynamic efficiency and reduce noise.

"This is the most significant wind project in the UK and I encourage people to come and take a look. It shows the way we are all wishing to go in terms of greater renewable energy, with wind power playing a part. What we are seeing here is what I would like to see all across the country. There is a sense of great power. Half the people of Swaffham are going to get their energy from this turbine. I think that is tremendous." - Michael Meacher, Environment Minister

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