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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 vehicles, allowing staff and visitors to travel around Cardiff and the local area in a more sustainable way. The iOn’s will be among the first in Wales.
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.
The Rt. Hon Oliver Letwin MP, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office 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."
Simon Crowfoot, Commercial Director of Ecotricity commented: "We're chuffed to have built this windmill to power G24i, 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 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 106 / Partner van and was among the first to introduce a modern electric car, able to benefit from the Government’s L5,000 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.
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.
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.
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Notes to Editors
About G24i
G24i is the first company in the world to commercialise dye-sensitised solar cells, 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. It has the potential to make disposable batteries obsolete. G24i’s cells perform well in low levels of sunlight and also indoors, recycling ambient light. The company’s proprietary high-speed roll-to-roll manufacturing process allows for large volume production at its facility in Cardiff, Wales. www.g24i.comhttp://www.g24i.com.
About Ecotricity
Britain’s leading green energy company, Ecotricity was founded 15 years’ ago when, in 1996, it founded the UK’s green electricity market and movement. A not for dividend’ company with no shareholders to answer to, it now powers 50,000 homes and businesses in the UK from its fleet of 52 windmills, it invests more per capita in building new sources of green energy than any other UK electricity company and is the only energy supplier supported by Oxfam and the Soil Association
http://www.ecotricity.co.uk/
About Peugeot
Peugeot is part of the PSA Group – Europe’s 2nd largest automotive producer - and one of the top ten vehicle brands in the world. In 2010 the Peugeot brand celebrated its 200th anniversary.
Its UK subsidiary has its headquarters in Coventry and has 250 Peugeot `Blue Box’ Dealerships throughout the country.
The product portfolio includes electric cars (iOn), petrol & diesel cars (107 Compact, 207 best-selling, 308, 3008 Crossover, 4007 SUV, 5008 Compact MPV, 508 and RCZ Sports Coupe) and MPV people carriers / vans (Bipper, Partner, Expert & Boxer).
Notable for its recognised products that include the ever-popular Coupe Cabriolet, its dependable and economical HDi diesel & petrol engines, and it’s very stylish designs.
Peugeot is also recognised for producing low CO2 products, supplemented with the debut soon of the world’s first diesel hybrid – the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4.
www.peugeot.co.uk
