Sportcity in east Manchester, home of Manchester City Football Club has been given permission to erect an 85-metre high wind turbine.
Designed by architect, Sir Norman Foster, the turbine will be located at the City of Manchester stadium and will generate 2MW of electricity, enough to supply 1,250 homes. It is thought to be one of the tallest turbines in the world with the blade tip reaching 120 metres.
The developer behind the plan, Ecotricity, will be selling electricity generated from the turbine at the same price as other electricity suppliers in the area.
“This development is an iconic statement of Manchester’s commitment to renewable energy and will make the city’s leading sports facility one of the most environmentally friendly in the world,” explained Neil Swannick, executive member for Planning and Environment at Manchester City Council, who gave the go-ahead for the plan.
“The wind turbine provides an opportunity for the football club to help the city achieve a reduction in carbon emissions. It is part of a range of energy efficiency and recycling projects that the club in involved in,” added Pete Bradshaw, social responsibility manager for Manchester City Football Club.
It is thought the wind turbine will be operational in 2007.
Designer turbine for football club
