ORKNEY TURBINE MAY GAIN NEW LEASE OF LIFE

Europe's largest wind turbine, on Orkney, may gain a new lease of life if enthusiasts' ambitions for the machine are realised. The 3 MW turbine, supplied by the Wind Energy Group of London, has been standing idle since 1992 when cracks appeared at the roots of its blades. Now De Montfort University in Leicester has leased it from Britain's Department of Trade and Industry to explore the possibility of recommissioning the machine. "The first stage is to obtain £50,000 for the repair of the cracks in the rotor hub," explains John Twidell of De Montfort's AMSET Centre. He is looking for backing from investors who are keen to see the turbine operational again. "We have formed an 'investors club' to obtain this financial support. Repayments will be made from the sale of electricity if we are successful," says Twidell. Potential investors are asked to contact John Twidell at De Montfort University in Leicester.