Two Aberdeen schools will become the first in the north-east to generate their own wind power.
Cults and Milltimber primaries are installing turbines to provide power and raise awareness of renewable energy.
Cults is ready to start work this month on a free-standing wind turbine, which will be put up in a neighbouring field. The pound;19,500 turbine is powerful enough to provide energy for most of the school’s catering operation.
Milltimber is installing a pound;5,000 turbine and solar panels on its roof. The turbine will provide power for some of the school’s lighting, while the solar panels will heat most of its hot water in summer and a smaller proportion in winter.
A liquid crystal display screen at Cults will allow pupils and staff to monitor the amount of carbon dioxide that would otherwise have been pumped into the environment. A less sophisticated screen will provide similar information at Milltimber.
Costs are being met by the Scottish Executive-funded Energy Saving Trust, Aberdeen City Council, Cults’s parent teacher association, community councillors, a local councillor and an anonymous donation. The Energy Saving Trust has more funding available to schools.
* www.est.org.ukschri
