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Whitstable firm Alpha 311's wind turbines to be installed at O2
13:29, 13 March 2021
updated: 13:47, 13 March 2021
Innovative wind turbines created in Kent are to be installed on the O2 and create clean energy.
The Greenwich building is the first in the world to trial the new turbine system, which has been created by Whitstable firm Alpha 311.
The vertical axis wind turbines can turn even when there is no wind due to their size, weight and unique shaftless design.
Placed on a motorway, for example, they would turn from the wind created by vehicles speeding past to generate electricity.
While currently still being manufactured, 10 of the new turbines will soon be installed at the O2, which is visited by nine million people a year.
It means the building could produce up to an estimated 87,600 kWhs a year, which is equivalent to the total electricity used by 23 British homes.
While this is overall a small portion of The O2’s energy needs, it is a step in the right direction.
Watch: The turbines could be used on busy roads like the M20 and M2 and use wind generated from the vehicles
Lee Lacey, facility director at The O2, said: "We are so incredibly excited to be collaborating with the team at Alpha 311 and be the first venue in the world to install their commercial wind turbines.
"We have been searching for a suitable wind generated power source to help reduce our GHG emissions and assist in our ambition to achieve a carbon net zero venue.
"The opportunity to provide a local on-site source of power generation is huge and we hope this trial provides the launch pad of many more installations not only at The O2 and other AEG venues but across the Greenwich Peninsula and throughout the UK."
Alpha 311 CEO, Barry Thompson added: "We're so pleased that The O2 is the first to sign up with us globally.
"The Alpha 311 turbine was born in Britain with international aspirations, so it's fitting that we're working with the world’s most popular music, entertainment and leisure venue.
"It's not just a London landmark, it's a global icon, and we couldn't be more proud, or thankful, for The O2's belief in us."
