A £1.2m wind turbine generator is to be erected this week at the University of Ulster's Coleraine campus, as part of a 'landmark' development.

It will be built on a site adjacent to the playing fields at the north east side of the campus.

The wind turbine generator has been supplied by German manufacturer Enercon and will stand 55 metres tall to the top of its hub, with a blade radius of 24 metres.

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The Coleraine campus has a large annual electricity bill - currently circa £600,000 - that is set to rise in line with current market increases.

The new turbine should reduce campus electricity costs by around a quarter, and pay for itself in approximately five years.

The generator will annually supply approximately 2,000MWHr of electricity and result in a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions at local power stations of 860 tonnes.

The electricity it will generate is equivalent to that used by 425 homes.

Frank Liddle, Deputy Director of Physical Resources, said: "The project is a landmark development for the University and provides a physical demonstration of the University's commitment to sustainability."

A multiple 'windmill' development in another location is pictured.

(JM)