Giant wind turbine topples over hours before official start

Broken into pieces, with a stump no higher than a tree, a giant wind turbine now lies in pieces in a German forest after collapsing.

The structure, whose rotor blades reach a length of 239 metres, toppled over only hours before it was scheduled to go into service.

Officials are investigating what caused the collapse. Police do not suspect sabotage.

The turbine, near the western town of Haltern, was connected to the power grid six months ago but was due to be officially started on Thursday.

Like many countries, Germany is trying to increase its use of renewable energy such as wind and solar as part of a transition away from fossil fuels and nuclear power.

More than a quarter of its electricity is generated by wind power and the country has more than 26,000 wind turbines.

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Second Test: July 14-18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2pm
Third Test: The Oval, London, July 27-31, 2pm
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Thursday’s fixtures

6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors

10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters

Teams

Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.

Squad rules

All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.

Tournament rules

The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.