As the London 2012 Olympic Games enter their second week, the event is being heralded as the greenest ever… although perhaps not as green as hoped.
Originally, the Games’ organisers had set a renewable energy target of 20%, but it soon became clear that this would not be possible.
The Olympic Delivery Authority had to ditch its high-profile plans for a large wind turbine sited at the Olympic Park, but has quietly got on with installing seven smaller-scale vertical-axis wind turbines that will provide up to 7500 kWh a year.
The 18 m tall, 8 kW capacity turbines designed specifically for urban sites cost £40,000 each and should pay for themselves within 12 years.
Meanwhile, two new energy centres in the city’s Stratford City and Kings Yard areas are providing the Games with 10 MW of efficient power, heating and cooling.
The energy centres are harnessing three of GE’s 3.3 MW Jenbacher J620 cogeneration units, which can generate enough electricity for up to 24,000 homes.
During the Games, the Kings Yard centre will provide thermal power for the aquatics centre’s swimming pools and other ventures around the Olympic Park. After the Games, the energy centres will supply local businesses and residential areas.
“Our energy centers powered by GE’s gas engines are not only crucial to the success of the London 2012 Olympic Games but also for the goal of establishing a more sustainable business and residential environment throughout the city long after the Games have ended,” says Simon Wright of the Olympic Delivery Authority.
GE has also provided the Games with its Durastation charging stations for a fleet of electric vehicles ferrying athletes between venues.
For further information:
www.ge.com
www.london2012.com
Related stories:
London 2012 Olympic venues to monitor energy use in real-time (18-Jul)
London Olympics drops carbon offset plans (5-Sept 2011)
London 2012 on track to deliver a low-carbon and sustainable Olympic Games (21-Apr 2011)
London 2012 Olympic Games not as green as promised (29-Oct 2010)
Article source: http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/5307/
