The Eiffel Tower has gone from retro to modern.

In addition to features such as LED lighting and solar panels, the tower will be adding custom designed VisionAIR5 wind turbines that will produce over 10,000 kilowatts of energy per year. In perspective, the energy that will be conserved can alone power the entire first floor of the Eiffel Tower.

The Urban Green Company, a New York energy company, designed the wind turbines as an “efficient renewable energy technology is essential to combating climate change and mitigating its imminent threat.”

Located above the World Heritage Site’s second level, about 400 feet off the ground, the wind turbines are designed on a vertical axis turbines. This unique design was created because the wind turbine can be capable of harnessing wind from any direction. In addition, the first floor renovation program had also be created to adjust the position of the windows to protect the monument from excessive sunlight. To match the modern outlook of the design, the wind turbines were given a custom paint job, transforming the ancient 1889 tower into the 21st Century’s modernistic style.

Megan Le (11) believes ” the turbines are an excellent idea to be placed in the Eiffel Tower, especially since its a well known site in Paris, France. In addition, Paige Weingarten (9) states that “it is really amazing how far technology has come into saving and reusing resources on our planet!”

Over the past year, Paris has strived to become a more environmental friendly and energy conservative area. Ever since 2004, the City of Paris Climate was issued in order to reduce the city’s energy consumption by 25% by 2020.

Paris remains in high hopes for a successful turnout after the installment of the turbines. YLHS should also model these ideals in saving the environment and conserving our resources, just like the recycling club here at YLHS.