Council talks on 'stadium power'

The stadium would be the first to be powered by its own turbine

About 4,000 homes could soon be buying electricity generated by Manchester City FC.

The club wants to generate renewable energy for its stadium and nearby households with what would be the UK's largest land-based turbine.

The structure, designed by architect Sir Norman Foster, would rise 85m above the City of Manchester stadium.

If approved, the club said its stadium would be the first in the world to be powered solely by renewable energy.

Pit history

The three-bladed turbine, provided by independent power company Ecotricity, will produce about two megawatts of electricity.

The scheme also includes the use of solar power and water recycling initiatives.

Coun Neil Swannick, of the Manchester City Council planning board, said the project would continue the long history of energy production in east Manchester.

"The site was a former coal pit and gasometers are still located there," he said.

The project is still subject to further discussions by Manchester City Council.

If approved, it is hoped the turbine could be working in time for the 2006/07 football season.