Airport pilot project could lead to wind farm

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is testing on-site renewable energy production with two wind turbines as it attempts to reduce its environmental impact.

Two 15m high 6kW turbines manufactured by UK specialist engineer Proven Energy have been installed either side of the main approach road. Each turbine can generate sufficient electricity to power a family house and will contributes towards the airport's electricity needs.

Liverpool claims to be the first airport in the UK to install wind turbines, with the scheme initially being run as a trial to better understand the effect of turbines of this size, on sensitive air traffic control equipment. If successful, the airport hopes to install more turbines to increase levels of sustainable power generation.

The airport already operates a scheme which gives passengers the opportunity to donate money towards planting trees to offset the carbon emissions of their flight. All money donated is matched by the airport company and given to the Mersey Forest charity to plant trees in local community areas.

Andrew Dutton, JLA's environment manager, said: "The airport will continually look at ways to minimise the environmental impact of operating a growing regional airport. The wind turbines will potentially, along with other renewable energy sources, play an important part in the airport's future development. This trial will hopefully demonstrate that turbines can be sited at an operational airport and that others can follow suit. These small yet extremely efficient turbines are proving that wind turbines at airports can make an important contribution to sustainable energy supply."