The opportunity to create a 'green beacon' for London was showcased to the construction industry as the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) held an industry day for the contract to design and construct a wind turbine on the Olympic Park Site.

The turbine, to be located at Eton Manor in the north of the Olympic Park, will play a key role in delivering renewable energy to the Olympic Park and be a visible symbol of London 2012's commitment to deliver a truly sustainable Games.

Companies at yesterday's industry briefing were given details of the contract currently out to tender to design, construct and operate a 130 metre high turbine structure (an 83m turbine with 47m high blades). The proposed turbine will produce around 4 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per annum, the energy equivalent to supplying 1,000 homes over an average year.

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ODA Director of Infrastructure, Simon Wright, said: "As one of the first large scale wind turbines so close to Central London, this contract is chance for companies to deliver a 'green beacon' for the Capital and a striking symbol of the sustainability principles behind the Games."

Detailed planning permission for the turbine was granted in September 2007, and the design and construction of the turbine is expected to start later this year.

The turbine is expected to be fully operational by 2010, providing new renewable energy nearly two years before the Games. It will stay on the site after the Games and will be linked into local networks providing power to the emerging legacy development including local amenities and housing over its lifespan of 20 years.

(JM)