A Wind Turbine on East Marsh - Your Questions Answered
Here, we have tried to answer many of the questions that may spring to mind. If you would like to ask more questions, please email: windturbine@hackney.gov.uk.
Why would Hackney want a wind turbine?
This turbine would put Hackney at the forefront of sustainable energy generation. Together with a second wind turbine at Eton Manor (in Waltham Forest) it would provide enough energy to power almost all of Hackney’s street lights at night and would help make Hackney one of the greenest boroughs in London.
More green energy could be produced here than in any other London borough.
The wind turbine would also help Hackney meet carbon reduction targets set by Government, supporting other sustainable developments being led by the Council.
Why is East Marsh the only place where the wind turbine could be put?
When the Olympic Delivery Authority got permission to build the Olympic Park, one condition was they would have to provide a lot of renewable energy from the site. There are only two places in the park where turbines fit – East Marsh and Eton Manor. Plus turbines need to be clear of buildings and roads.
Where on East Marsh would it go?
Hackney Council is considering the far North East corner of East Marsh. In this way it would not use any of the land needed for sports pitches on the Marsh, or for any of the other legacy gains such as new bridges or changing facilities.
How long would the wind turbine be on East Marsh?
If the wind turbine goes ahead on East Marsh it would provide the borough with the opportunity to buy green energy for up to 25 years from when it is installed in 2013.
How much would it cost Hackney?
The wind turbine would not cost Hackney Council any money; in fact it would help the Council to save money. The energy could power our street lights and be a real benefit for our community.
The Council could also get rent for the land the turbine is on and we would use this to invest in sports and playing facilities on the Marshes.
If the proposed East Marsh turbine does not go ahead, could Hackney still buy energy from the Eton Manor turbine?
Hackney could still buy energy from the Eton Manor turbine if the owner chose to submit a tender when the Council undertakes its annual energy procurement, and their bid was the best offer.
What would be the impact on sports on the Marshes?
The turbine would not get in the way of any of our planned sports developments on the Marshes. After the Games, East Marsh will get new playing fields and the turbine would not reduce the number of pitches that we are planning to provide (ten). Our plans for the Marshes will go ahead as they are, whether or not there is a turbine.
The Marshes provide a home for many different types of wildlife, could these be affected?
A lot of work has been done to ensure the wind turbine would not harm wildlife on the Marshes, especially the flight paths of the bat and bird populations. The turbine would be set in from the river, well away from the bats’ flight path.
Would there be any community benefits from having the wind turbine on East Marsh?
As well as providing potential rental income to invest in the Marshes, the turbine would link into the education centre planned for the new sports and community hub on South Marsh. With a read-out of wind speed, energy generated and carbon saved, this would be an opportunity for the whole community to learn about ‘green’ or renewable energy.
How big would the wind turbine be, and would it make noise and cast shadows?
Wind turbines are about 120m tall and the rotors about 80m across. They have a narrow stem, and its base would be underground, covered by grass.
Noise levels have been tested. Noise the turbine would make if it were on East Marsh would be less than the local traffic.
The tests for shadows of the moving blades show that the wind turbine would not interfere with football and other sports being played on the Marshes.
Will there be a loss of access to green space?
There will be a loss of access to green space around the stem of the turbine as the area immediately below the blades will not be open to the public. There will be an 80m exclusion zone which will be fenced-off with a hedge around it. Inside the fence there could be the opportunity to establish a nature/wildlife area.
After the Games, there will be the same number of football pitches that we are already planning to have on East Marsh (ten), and with the removal of pylons in the area we have gained access to open space that mitigates some of the loss of access that would occur around the stem of the turbine.
Page updated: 25 Jan 2010