Turbine harnessing green electricity from the wind

Renewable energy has been given a boost in one Chronicle Country village.

Gamlingay Community Wind Turbine was officially launched on Friday (June 14).

The single turbine is located in an open field between Gamlingay, Potton, Hatley St George and Cockayne Hatley.

It was erected in April and it was connected to the National Grid in early May.

Local people were invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony including pupils from Gamlingay First School and Gamlingay Village College as well as members of Gamlingay Environmental Action Group.

Writing on the Chronicle’s Facebook page, Louise Landen said: “I’m pleased because it is quiet, fairly unobtrusive and generates green electricity. Shame there’s only one!”

The 330kw wind turbine is shorter than many turbines at just under 54 metres in height. The mast is 37m high and the extra height is achieved when one of the blades is pointing upwards.

The turbine starts generating electricity at a wind speed of 5mph. It reaches its full speed in 23mph winds.

Villagers spoke both for and against the turbine at a public meeting in 2012.

To find out more about the wind turbine visit www.gamlingay-community-turbine.co.uk

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