London hosts 'aurora' light show

Impression: The show should be seen from across the river

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The trees lining London's South Bank are about to show off a luminous new wardrobe of colour, mist and light.

The electronic show, which aims to imitate the Northern Lights, will be powered entirely by a wind turbine.

The oil company Shell is organising the event, in an effort to emphasise its commitment to renewable energy sources.

The Shell Electric Storm, which is open to all who pass by, will run every evening from 1700 GMT, from Tuesday 18 November to the middle of February.

Polar imitation

The Electric Storm uses a continuous stretch of 40 trees to mount lighting, sound and atmospheric sensor equipment. Power is supplied by a 43-metre wind turbine, which will sit in the South Bank Coach car park.

The misty light show will be different every night, directed by the weather conditions.

It'll be a great event to continue to showcase the South Bank throughout winter, and it will be an international first for London Ben Johnson, Make Communications

Atmospheric data, from temperature to tide levels, will be fed into the electronic brains of the Electric Storm, creating a random display of coloured lights.

A mist, created by special effects technology, will dissipate the light to create a magical effect.

"The Shell Electric Storm will be a magical experience for everyone, whether young or old, and will help tell stories about renewable energy in a fun, engaging and exciting way," said Ben Johnson of Make Communications, creators of the attraction.

"It'll be a great event to continue to showcase the South Bank throughout winter, and it will be an international first for London."

Renewable energy

The Electric Storm signifies an effort by Shell to demonstrate its willingness to invest in renewable forms of energy.

In 1997 Shell developed a new branch of its business called Shell Renewables, which is trying to develop commercial opportunities in both solar and wind energy.

The wind turbine that will power the show

"Shell Electric Storm will bring to life the tremendous potential of renewable energy sources, and the future of wind energy," said Clive Mather, chairman of Shell UK.

"It will demonstrate clearly the power that comes from just one wind turbine.

"Our support for the project is part of our ongoing commitment to develop renewable energy sources, and to bring a wider understanding and awareness of their importance."

Rough choice

This theatrical performance of wind turbines comes just after new government proposals to promote their use in Britain.

The plans, which were published on 5 November, will make it much harder for local councils to reject applications to build wind farms.

But rural campaigners and environmentalists are divided about the benefits of wind turbines.

Wind farms necessarily have to sit in very prominent places - and many feel they create an intolerable eye-sore.

Jill Hatcher, from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: "Truly sustainable solutions should mean the public don't have to choose between protecting the landscape they cherish and saving the planet on which they depend."