See below for a video of the Aerogenerator.
The giant vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) concept has grown out of an 18-month feasibility study called the Nova Project that involved Cranfield University, QinetiQ, Strathclyde University, Sheffield University, WPL and architects Grimshaw, and was funded by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI).
WPL is now finalising a memorandum of understanding with UK engineering giant Arup to push the project through to commercialisation.
Expectations are a first Aerogenerator, which has a wingspan of 275 metres and mimics a turning sycamore key, could be installed offshore by 2013-14, following two years of prototype testing.