Palestra wind turbines disappear

The vanishing wind turbines have been a talking point this week amongst those living and working around Blackfriars Road.

The 14 wind turbines were installed last year as part of a demonstration project for the London Climate Change Agency which is one of the building's tenants. The roof of the Will Alsop-designed building has also been fitted with solar panels.

A London Development Agency spokesman explains: "The micro wind turbines on top of Palestra have been recalled by the manufacturer following a fault found in a single earlier turbine elsewhere in the UK.

"Although the turbines had been working properly, the London Climate Change Agency has taken the precaution of responding to the manufacturer's recall. They are due to be re-installed in around a month's time following checks.

"Since moving into Palestra in September, the LDA's renewable energy systems have reduced 2,000 kg of CO2 since becoming operational, offsetting the electricity used for our computer systems. "

The London Climate Change Agency is part of the London Development Agency which is a major tenant at Palestra. Staff from Transport for London are due to move into the building later in the year.