Lotus in spin as HQ goes green

Sports car firm Lotus is planning three giant windmills right in the middle of its test track

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Wind turbines will provide power at manufacturer’s Norfolk factory

04th May 2007

As new models blast round the Norfolk circuit, the turbines will be generating electricity for the Lotus facility. The company believes the plant's windy location in Hethel makes it ideally suited for creating its own clean, green power.

Energy expert Ecotricity has been called in to build the turbines, which will generate more than enough for Lotus' needs. Any unused electricity will go into the local grid to feed nearby homes.

The current will power the firm's manufacturing areas, engine test facility, offices, computer design rooms and assembly halls. Lotus chief exec Mike Kimberley said: "We're recognised globally as a pioneer in vehicle technology. Now we're working worldwide in environmental and green transport research. By sourcing electricity from turbines, we can reduce our CO2 emissions dramatically and demonstrate our commitment to the environment."

This is only the latest in a line of green engineering advances from the firm. Lotus has developed an Exige which runs on bioethanol crop fuel, and is working on advanced electric-powered vehicles.