News release

Wind turbines build up speed at Balbardie

West Lothian Council is installing the turbines at Balbardie Park after receiving a £71,788 funding grant from The Scottish Government?s Energy Saving Trust.

The Council is providing the rest of the finance for the wind turbines at a total cost of £450,000. The two 35m high wind turbines will produce 100KW of energy and aim to provide 'Green' energy to reduce the electricity supply costs to the existing Balbardie Sports Centre and the proposed new swimming pool.

It is estimated that the turbines will be in full spin by the end of October.  

The installation also includes provision to allow any surplus electricity generated to be fed back into the grid with the Council receiving a credit for the surplus electricity. There is also provision for a new incoming electricity supply and sub-station to upgrade the supply to the existing sports centre and provide power for the new swimming pool.

Executive councillor for culture and leisure, Jim Walker, said: ?Everyone must look at environmentally friendly ways of generating energy and it is important that we, as a forward thinking local authority, use alternative sources.

?The new turbines will provide a 'Green' alternative, which will reduce the Council's carbon footprint and supplement the power requirements for the facilities within the park.

?The turbines have a 'Pay Back' period of just over twelve years, after which all power provided will be free. The installation of the turbines is a demonstration of the Council's ongoing commitment to reduce our energy costs and carbon footprint. ?The new leisure facilities at Balbardie highlights our continuing commitment to provide quality leisure facilities for all age groups in West Lothian.

?The new competition-standard swimming pool and improved leisure facilities will create a centre of sporting excellence at Balbardie Park for the enjoyment of the whole community.?

Date: 11-07-2008