A city council's plans to generate its own power using wind turbines have taken a step forward with the appointment of a firm to look into the feasibility of the project.
Aberdeen City Council has employed Edinburgh-based Locogen Ltd to carry out a detailed study into the authority's proposals which aim to cut its annual £6 million energy bill and reduce its carbon emissions.
Three potential sites for turbines have been identified on council-owned land at the Science and Technology Park, Peter's Seat and Coalford.
They will now be assessed by Locogen to establish whether or not they are suitable for turbines, and the number and size of turbines which could be used on each site.
Locogen will also look at potential planning issues and consider the financial aspects.
The council said the project was at an early stage and no decisions had been made.
Barney Crockett, council leader and convener of enterprise, planning and infrastructure, said: "These are very interesting and exciting proposals which we will look into and fully consult with the community on.
"The council is interested in looking at every form of energy which can be produced and the benefits that can bring to the city, but we must make sure that everything stacks up before proceeding with any new schemes."
A council spokeswoman said the local authority was at the forefront of public sector efforts to tackle climate change and promote energy efficiency, and was one of the first in the UK to sign up to the Local Authority Carbon Management Programme.
It is also in the process of installing thousands of solar panels on public buildings across the city, she said.
