PERFECT MATCH: BLACKPOOL LIGHTS AND SEAFRONT WIND

If there's bright lights and strong winds, it must be the British north country's favorite seaside funpark, Blackpool Lights. Now going New Energy.

Promenade wind turbines installed
April 24, 2007 (BBC News)

WHO
Blackpool town council/ Julian Kearsley, executive director.
Seaside, Blackpool
WHAT
Wind turbines are being placed on the promenade shore at the famed Blackpool Lights tourist attraction and seaside resort. The wind energy generated on the Liverpudlian coast will help power the resort’s renowned nighttime illumination.

WHEN
Two turbines are presently being installed and a third will be added next month.

WHERE
The turbines are on the shorefront, close to Sandcastle Water Park.
Blackpool Lights
WHY
- The cost of £147,000 will be defrayed by an annual energy savings of £13,250 over the anticipated 25 year life of the turbines. Blackpool has extraordinary energy expenses, £1m annually, due to the iconic attraction’s electrical consumption.
- The first two turbines have three 9m (29ft.) blades and a 15m (49ft.) pole for a total height of 19.5m (64ft.). The third is 14m (46ft.) high with “S” shaped blades.

QUOTES
Kearsley: "Geographically, Blackpool is in a tremendous position to harness the power of the wind and turn it to our advantage…This pilot will enable us to confirm wind speeds, turbine output and the number of turbines required."