The Michelin wind turbines in Dundee have passed a significant energy milestone.
Since their installation in 2006 they have generated more than 50 million units of electricity enough to power more than 1,500 homes or brew 350m cups of tea.
Last year the blades of the two giant towers generated over 7m kilowatt hours of electricity up 13% on the previous year and their second highest annual output.
Wind energy generation in the UK as a whole broke several records in 2013. Wind power produced more than 6.1 gigawatts of energy at peak in one day in December the highest daily production in the UK and contributed 22.4% of total UK electricity generation in November.
John Reid, factory manager at Michelin, said: “The wind turbines have been a great asset to our Dundee site, where they have helped to alleviate the challenge of increased energy costs and allowed us to reduce our dependence on the energy grid by producing our own sustainable power.
“The environment is an important priority for Michelin and we are always looking at ways we can improve our energy performance. Last year our wind turbines generated a 13% increase in electricity when compared with 2012, and provided around 25% of the electricity required to power the factory.
“We pride ourselves on our energy efficient credentials and the wind turbines show our commitment to the green agenda and our respect for the environment.”
Nick Osbourne of Ecotricity, which installed and maintains the turbines, said: “Last year was a record-breaking year for UK wind energy, and the significant 13% increase in electricity generation from the Michelin turbines in Dundee reflects just how productive 2013 was for wind power.
“Merchant wind turbines like those at Michelin play a big part in greening up UK industry, while simultaneously slashing businesses’ energy bills. Passing the 50m units milestone is testament to how successful these turbines have been.”
The plans for the two £4m turbines were not universally welcomed when they were unveiled a decade ago but concerns about their impact were overcome by the economic argument for them.
They have reduced the factory’s operating costs, improved its viability, safeguarded jobs and boosted the city’s green credentials.
Scotland’s only car tyre manufacturing centre has since received a multi-million pound investment to secure the jobs of some 700 workers and create 140 new posts.