Co-generation

The London 2012 Olympics is unlikely to meet its target of producing 20% of its electricity from new local renewable sources, the London Assembly was told yesterday.

The loss of the planned on-site wind turbine amid health and safety concerns and the organisers’ inability to find replacement projects have left London 2012’s green credentials in doubt.

David Stubbs, head of sustainability at the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), told the Assembly’s Environment Committee that it is still trying to do everything it can to meet the target during the games, but it is looking increasingly unlikely.

The organisers now want to reduce overall energy consumption as much as possible during the games and are pressing ahead with plans for waste wood burning boilers, 50,000 m² of solar panels and a small-scale combined heat and power (CHP) biomass plant.

However, the London Assembly has expressed disappointment with the organisers and is urging them to live up to their promises.

“London said it would provide the greenest Games ever and although good progress is being made in many areas, it is disappointing that organisers don’t expect to meet their renewable energy target,” says Darren Johnson, chair of the London Assembly Environment Committee.

For further information:
www.london.gov.uk
www.london2012.com/about-us/the-people-delivering-the-games/the-london-organising-committee/index.php

Related stories:
London Olympics scraps wind turbine project (4-Jun)
London 2012 Olympics on target to meet sustainability goals (8-May 2009)