In early 2004, the UK's largest and most powerful (at that time) wind turbines were installed at three sites across County Durham. Homside, Harehill and Highvolts, collectively known as 3H's, were commissioned in Spring 2004.

Construction began at the end of July 2003. A locally based company, AMEC Wind Services, initially developed the site and also provided project management during the construction phase. In October 2003, the wind turbines were delivered by ship to Hartlepool docks and then transported in sections by road to the sites in delivery vehicles up to 50m long - around the length of five London buses.

In 2005 the wind farm generated enough renewable energy to supply nearly 7,000 homes and displace the emission of over 12,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Putting the 3H Turbines into Perspective...

Here are some well-known tall structures, in comparison with the 3H's turbines:

• Nelson’s Column - 56m high.
• 3H turbine hub height - 60m.
• The Rotunda (Birmingham) - 81m.
• The Statue of Liberty - 93m.
• Big Ben - 96m.
• 3H turbine height to blade tip - 100m.

Community Benefits

In April 2005 Greenlands Junior School visited Holmside for pupils to have a look at the turbines close up and hear about how the wind farm works.

Over 50 pupils from the school attended they were able to have a look inside the turbine, see how the turbines are controlled and also complete some activities that got them thinking about energy and its uses, as well as thinking about the wind farm and their impressions of it.

Lindsey Soutar, a teacher at Greenlands Junior School, said "We're really glad that we were able to visit. The children have not only been able to learn about the wind farm and energy but they've also really enjoyed themselves."