News on 03 October 2000
Sainsbury's is to power one of its key distribution depots
with wind-generated electricity, in the UK's first ever commercial, non-subsidised
project of this kind.
A 65-metre high turbine will be installed at the site at East Kilbride,
near Glasgow, by wind energy company Next Generation to provide between
25% and 40% of the power needed for the 35,000sqm depot.
Sainsbury's, the first customer to buy this type of turbine, says the
project aims to show the viability of wind power with the long-term aim
of paying less for electricity.
"It makes good business and environmental sense to trial a technology
that reduces our CO2 emissions," says Sainsbury's director Ian Coull.
"This scheme has many unique features. It is quiet and highly efficient
and will enable us to investigate the potential of wind-generated electricity."
Adds Dale Vince, managing director of Next Generation: "Wind power
not only benefits the environment but organisations can make long term
cost savings with renewable power by not having to pay environmental taxes."
