London Wind Farm Gains Mayoral Nod

August 29, 2003 [SolarAccess.com] Mayor of London Ken Livingstone gave the final go ahead for Ecotricity, a UK green energy supplier, to build what they say would be London’s First wind park at Ford’s Dagenham plant. The Mayor’s decision endorses planning approval granted by Havering and Barking & Dagenham Councils’ Planning Committees. The Councils will now issue notices that finalize the procedure and the companies can proceed with their plans. When complete the three 5.4 MW turbines will provide 100 percent of the electricity requirements of Ford’s new Clean Room Assembly Hall that is being built to produce high-tech diesel engines at the Dagenham engine plant. This will mean that all diesel engines in Ford’s European vehicles will be made using wind power. Located only 16km (10 miles) from the City of London, the development will create a major new Thames-side landmark for the capital. Providing a unique opportunity to experience wind power from the heart of the machine, one of the turbines will feature a 65 meter high public viewing platform, accessible via a stairwell located inside the turbine tower so visitors can enjoy views that rival the London Eye.