Isra-Mart srl: Ford's new wind turbine makes greener cars

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Ford has cut the ribbon on a third wind turbine at its Dagenham Diesel Centre in Essex allowing the expanded factory to get all its electricity from renewable sources.

The auto maker announced yesterday that Ecotricity has completed installation of the 2.3MW wind turbine first proposed in 2008 following the decision to install a 1.4/1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine manufacturing line at the site.

Groundwork for the third wind turbine began in June and installation of the tower and blades took just four days to finish. The main assembly was completed when the 82 metre-diameter blades and hub were hoisted 80 metres onto the top of the tower.

The two existing turbines at the site generate 5.92 million units of electricity a year, but this is expected to reach 11.4 million units with the addition of the higher capacity third turbine.

Chris Woolacott, Ford Dagenham Diesel Centre line manager, explained that the plant is now once again completely powered by wind energy.

"The Dagenham Diesel Centre assembles Ford's greenest engines, which return over 76mpg," he said. "Rising demand has prompted this additional turbine to maintain the plant's own green energy source."

Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, added: "We are really pleased to come back and build a third windmill so that the green energy supply keeps pace with the customer demand for Ford's most fuel-efficient diesel engines."