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World's first integrated wind turbines inaugurated in Bahrain
The Bahrain World Trade Centre (BWTC) made history as its pioneering wind turbines turned together for the first time.
- Staff Report
- Published: 13:49 April 8, 2008
Manama: The Bahrain World Trade Centre (BWTC) made history as its pioneering wind turbines turned together for the first time.
Bahrain's iconic landmark is the world's first commercial development to be integrated with the three 29m-diameter turbine blades, which are forecast to provide the equivalent of 11-15% of the power for the two towers when fully operational.
Mr. Ole Sangill, Managing Partner of turbine specialists Norwin commented: “This was of course a first for Norwin as it was for the real estate world, and we truly have pushed the boundaries of environmental architecture with this project. It is a testament to Bahrain that private developers are investing in sustainability and pioneering design, which is certainly the future of architecture as it shapes the planet in years to come.''
Speaking at the event, Mr. Simha Lythe Rao Atkins Project Manager explained that the use of established technologies, including type-tested turbines with minimal modifications ensured that the additional cost incurred by incorporating turbines into the project was reduced to around 3.5% of the overall project value, making it not only an environmentally responsible but also a financially viable venture.
He also explained how the elliptical shaped towers act as aerofoils, funneling and accelerating the wind velocity between them, and exploiting the unobstructed prevailing onshore breeze from the adjacent Gulf coast to provide a renewable source of energy for the building.
The incorporation of large-scale turbines onto a building is a world first.
During the proceeding months the turbines will undergo detailed analysis and optimization by Norwin to determine their actual electricity generation potential.
The turbines are expected to operate approximately 50% of the time.
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