East Midlands Airport first to install wind turbines

East Midlands Airport (EMA) has been granted permission to install four wind turbines on its site.

The decision, made by the North West Leicestershire District Council, will mean that the EMA is the first UK airport to install four 31.5 metre wind turbines, which are expected to be active from later this year.

An estimated 225kw is expected to be produced by each turbine, saving around 850 tonnes of carbon a year. The move is part of the EMA's commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2012, with the turbines expected to generate around ten per cent of the airport's energy.

Penny Coates, EMA's managing director, said: "We are delighted with the news. The four turbines are a step closer to delivering on the promise we made in our Master Plan.

"In addition to the four wind turbines, we have increased the proportion of energy that comes from renewable sources and introduced a number of environmental measures such as our 'green pier' to reduce the impact on the environment. The turbines are another very substantial investment in environmental management by the airport."

Approximately £3 million has been spent over the last ten years by the airport on environmental initiatives.

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