National Press Release
Wind Replaces Diesel For World's Smallest Nation
April 2008
Micro-wind turbines provided by the Stratford-upon-Avon based FuturEnergy are providing the sole form of electrical power for the world's smallest nation - the independent Principality of Sealand situated on a remote Second World War North Sea naval fort. A move that has completely eliminated Sealand's previous dependance on costly and polluting diesel-generators.
Previously the fomer HM Fort Roughs, a Maunsell Sea Fort constructed in 1942 seven miles off the Suffolk coast, Sealand now provides a most unusual home for 15-20 semi-permanent residents and a base for a diverse range of commercial enterprises.
The two FuturEnergy wind turbines, each costing just £695, replace a diesel powered generator station damaged in a major fire on the fort in 2006. Mounted on five-metre tall masts, some 29-metres above the surface of the sea, the turbines were installed as part of an on-going repair and refurbishment programme by the Basingstoke-based property renovation specialist, Church & East.
Subject to almost continuous winds including gusts in excess of Storm Force 12 - over 32 metres/second - which turns the sea completely white, the air filled with driving spray, the two turbines operate at well above their one-kilowatt rated capacity and generate sufficient electricity to cover the isolated community's daily requirements including powering lights and all its essential business equipment and domestic appliances. Wood burning stoves provide the fort's main source of heating, with containerised gas used for cooking.
In order to cope with the ferocity and constancy of the North Sea winds and the subsequent constant generation of unexpectedly high levels of power, slight modification and upgrading of the turbines was required during initial trials. Since then the turbines have provided the sole form of power to the community, relegating the diesel generators to a standby emergency role only, with no diesel purchased for over 12-months.
The move to wind power reflects Sealands commitment to the environment, and its desire to minimise its impact on the natural world as Tina Harrington of Church & East, the company responsible for the renovation of Sealand affirms:
"After the great fire of 2006, which destroyed Sealand's main power production plant, we decided to investigate alternative renewable sources of power in order to reduce our reliance on increasingly costly and environmentally damaging diesel-fueled generators."
"As the one thing we are not short of is wind, it made sense to harness this as a possible source of inexpensive and wholly clean power. Our problem was finding a supplier who would be willing to participate in such a testing project . However, from the outset FuturEnergy was wholly committed to the production of the perfect wind turbine for our situation and the results have been staggering with the benefits, over just 12-months, far out-weighing the costs."
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www.churchandeast.com
www.sealandgov.com
www.futurenergy.co.uk
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David Wright, The Right Angle PR Co.
Tel. +44 (0) 1298 74030
E: rightanglepr@btconnect.com
FuturEnergy, (a subsidiary of Special EFX),
Ettington Park Business Centre,
Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8BT
Tel. 01789 450005 Email:sales@futurenergy.co.uk www.futurenergy.co.uk