The four proposed wind turbines, which will generate 10% of the Airport's energy, are another important step closer to making Airport site operations carbon neutral by 2012.
The Airport has approached North West Leicestershire District Council to seek permission to install the turbines on-site with careful consideration being given to all aspects of the proposals. Advice has been sought from world leading safety assessment company Qinetiq and the Civil Aviation Authority, in order to ensure the safety of the plans ahead of the planning process.
Powered entirely by wind, the turbines will be installed by Lancaster based company, Wind Direct on the Airport site, away from the runway and other functional areas to ensure operational safety. Measuring 31.5 meters in height, the airport is confident that the green energy makers will be up and running by spring 2008.
Penny Coates, East Midlands Airport Managing Director said 'This is fantastic news for the airport as we are delivering on the promises that we made in our Master Plan. In addition to our plans to install turbines, we have increased the proportion of our energy that comes from renewable sources this year to 20%. We have already introduced a number of new environmental measures such as our on site recycling facility and our 'green' pier. The turbines will be a welcome addition to our suite of environmental measures and I hope that this initiative is something which the community and indeed the East Midlands region can feel proud of.'
Adrian Maddocks, Development Director, Wind Direct said, 'This project sets an impressive milestone for the Airport and we are very pleased to be working with them. The four wind turbines demonstrate the airport's commitment to green energy and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions for the lifetime of the project."
