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Solar pioneer G24 Innovations (G24i) has celebrated the official opening of a 120 metre tall, 2.3 MW wind turbine at its Cardiff manufacturing facility, marking the realisation of a dream to produce renewable energy products using only renewable energy. Unveiled by the Rt. Hon. Oliver Letwin MP, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, the Ecotricity-owned turbine will produce enough electricity to power the entire 23 acre site and will save more than 2,500 tonnes of CO2 a year.

G24i also used Mr Letwin’s visit to announce the launch of a new on-site electric vehicle programme. Having installed two charging points, surplus wind power will now be used to run two Peugeot iOn city cars, allowing staff and visitors to travel around Cardiff and the local area in a more sustainable way.

G24i’s founder, Bob Hertzberg said: “This is the realisation of our ‘green from green’ dream. For the first time renewable energy will be used to directly manufacture renewable energy products, a virtuous circle at the heart of the Government’s vision of a low-carbon economy.

“Sustainability runs to the very core of our business strategy. Building a turbine and introducing EVs are significant steps and we are already exploring other innovative ways in which we can drive down our environmental impact. Our goal is to be a true global pioneer – not just in the technology that we create, but also in the business practices we employ.

“We would like to thank all of our partners in this programme, Cardiff City Council, Ecotricity and Peugeot.” Mr Letwin added: “I am delighted to open G24i wind turbine, and applaud their innovative approach to sustainable, low carbon energy production. Onshore wind must play an integral part in tackling the two major energy challenges we face – the pressing need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the equally pressing need to deliver secure, affordable energy supplies.”

G24i is the first company in the world to commercialise dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSC), the only third generation solar technology ready for mass production. DSSC is a breakthrough energy harvesting technology that can change the relationship between everyday products and the energy they rely upon, removing the need for expensive and environmentally unfriendly batteries or plug-in solutions.

G24i’s cells perform well in both low levels of sunlight and indoors, mimicking the photo-synthesis process in plants to recycle ambient light. Independent tests have shown the module to be the most efficient indoor light energy harvesting system in the world, meaning that indoor products such as keyboards and remote controls can, for the first time, produce the power they require to operate - independently.

Dale Vince, Founder of Ecotricity commented: “We're delighted to have built this windmill to power G24i, as it's not just a world first, it's a small glimpse of the future and a very exciting one – the idea that we are able to harness renewable energy and use that to make devices that themselves harness more renewable energy. It completes the ideal environmental circle.”

Jon Goodman, Managing Director at Peugeot UK, commented: “Peugeot is a leading low CO2 automotive producer, was one of the first to produce electric vehicles in the 1940s, has sold the most electric vehicles with the electric 106 and Partner van programme, and was among the first to introduce a modern electric car, able to benefit from the Government’s £5,000 subsidy, with the iOn.

“Peugeot has a wide range of low CO2 vehicle choices, including the imminent arrival of the world’s first diesel-electric diesel hybrid car in the next few months, so it is impressive to see G24i utilising green energy to power their commuting requirements with the Peugeot iOn electric cars and with complete respect to the environment.”