UK - Giant wind turbines planned for Ipswich

Four giant wind turbines are in the pipeline for Ipswich as part of a bid to make the town an eco-pioneer. At a total cost of up to £6million, the giant structures will stand at key entrances to Ipswich on the A12 and A14.

Two of the colossal 125m structures, which dwarf Big Ben and can fit a Boeing 747 plane within the diameter of the rotor blades, have been earmarked for land around Thorrington Hall, Belstead. A further 125m turbine is in the pipeline for the Ravenswood area of Ipswich near the Shell garage on the A14 while a smaller 61.5m turbine is being lined up near the Bury Road park and ride site.

Louise Gooch, responsible for environment at Ipswich Borough Council, said the move could help make Ipswich one of the greenest towns in country, with the structures creating an impressive entrance to the town. “This is an important part of our green agenda,” she said.

“Wind power is sustainable and secure - vital if we are to reduce our reliance on depleted stocks of fossil fuels, which contribute to CO2 emissions and climate change. “Having a renewable energy source gives us that security of power and energy at a time when oil and gas prices are increasing incredibly. “I think in the fullness of time we would probably go for all four if they all turned out to be viable but I can't imagine we would do all four at once.”

Ms Gooch said the plans are at an early stage with the full viability of each location yet to be assessed. Consultation at each of the short-listed sites will be undertaken by independent experts with views of residents being gathered and trial masts installed to assess which sites are most likely to deliver best wind results.

The council will invite developers to consider constructing the turbines which would power the equivalent of 1,200 homes each although the energy generated would be fed directly into the National Grid. It is believed the structures could give could supply up to 4 per cent of Ipswich's energy needs.