Hackney Marshes plans on course as Olympics wind turbine scrapped
Artist's impression of the proposed wind turbine on Hackney Marshes
Hackney Council says that its plans for a wind turbine on Hackney Marshes are still on course, despite yesterday’s announcement by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) that its plans for a wind turbine on the Olympic Park site itself are being scrapped.
A wind turbine had been proposed for Eton Manor in the north of the site as part of the ODA’s target to deliver 20 per cent of the Olympic Park’s legacy energy requirements from renewable sources from 2014 onwards when the site is fully operational.
A number of factors (such the tight timetable and changes in safety legislation) have meant that the wind turbine plans for the Eton Manor site are no longer considered feasible.
ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said, “We have carried out an exhaustive process with the industry and suppliers over the last two years to find a viable way of delivering a wind turbine on the Olympic Park site. However, the industry environment has changed and that means the project is no longer feasible.
“We have a strong track record in sustainability and we remain committed to meeting the challenging renewable energy targets we have set ourselves. Our focus is now on researching a number of alternative renewable energy options across the Olympic Park site to help contribute to these targets and complement the other state-of-the art new energy infrastructure we are building.”
A Hackney Council spokesperson said, “The Council is continuing discussions regarding the proposed wind turbine on East Marsh. The decision not to have a turbine on Eton Manor does not affect the viability of the proposal for East Marsh although there will be a reduction in the potential amount of power available overall.
“East Marsh is a different site to Eton Manor and does not present the issues that have, in part, prompted the ODA’s decision.
“Any turbine considered for East Marsh would comply with all relevant safety regulations. The safety issues the ODA mentions are very specific and refer to internal lift access for maintenance workers, it is not a reference to the safety of the general public or risks to anyone in the vicinity of the turbine.”
Jennette Arnold, Assembly Member for the North East London constituency said, “I am obviously hugely disappointed by this news and will be doing everything in my power to make sure that the plan to erect Hackney’s wind turbine at East Marsh goes ahead.
“This plan, which has the support of 87 per cent of local people, will generate renewable energy for Hackney as part of the 2012 legacy. It would be a tragedy for the area if this too was lost.”
In a statement issued today, local environmental campaign group, Hackney and Tower Hamlets Friends of the Earth said, “It is extremely disappointing that the Olympic Park’s wind turbine will not go ahead. Hackney needs to urgently play its part in cutting carbon emissions to stop dangerous climate change.
“We look forward to the Olympic Delivery Authority’s new plans for renewable energy sources for the Olympic Park site.”
Update 1.20pm Monday 7 June 2010:
Commenting on the scrapping of the Olympic wind turbine, London Assembly Member and Hackney resident Andrew Boff said, ” If the wind turbine was not economically viable then it’s right that it shouldn’t go ahead. But why has it taken nearly four years of work for the ODA to come to this conclusion?
“I support wind turbines in the right place and supported by a proper business case. But a turbine in Stratford would only get half the wind of one in the countryside. It should have been clear from the start that this project was just greenwash.”
Update 12pm Tuesday 8 June:
Darren Johnson AM, Chair of the London Assembly’s Environment Committee said, “It doesn’t matter if the renewable energy comes from wind, solar or clean waste technologies, so long as the meet the 20 per cent target.
“This is the ODA’s last chance to show ambition, making sure the Games are powered by 20 per cent renewable energy and that the legacy can become 100 per cent renewable. London has the resources, from food and forest waste to world-class expertise. Now we need the will to go for gold.”
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