Derby’s wind turbines start turning for next seven days

Derby’s two wind turbines have started turning intermittently, as the world’s first 3D holographic radar system is brought into operation to support them.

Our renewable energy expert, Martin Dent, explains: “Working closely with radar specialists, Aveillant, and East Midlands Airport, we have installed the 3D holographic radar system this morning. So over the next seven days, Derby residents will see Winnie and Tony the turbines turning between the hours of 9am and 5pm as we test and monitor the new radar system.

“We still have a long way to go to make sure the system does everything that we need, but we’re excited that the new technology is in place and it can observe the wind turbines from a distance, and provide the airport with unrestricted views of the skies above the wind turbines and the city of Derby.

“We understand that it’s been frustrating for the local community not seeing the turbines running. However, we hope they can see that this ground breaking work and our investment in this new technology, is all supporting our drive to make sure we comply with the civil aviation authorities regulations, and get Winnie and Tony operating without restriction, for the longer term."

We have a further two wind turbines which are already generating power at Wanlip near Leicester and Newthorpe near Nottingham. Over the last year, together they have generated around 8 million kilowatt hours of electricity which is equivalent to powering more than 2,000 homes for an entire year.