A wind turbine has been installed at Ford’s Bridgend Engine Plant in Wales, supplying energy directly to the Plant.

Its installation was celebrated with Ford Bridgend neighbours, the Coety Primary School, which was invited to the Plant to learn more about renewable energy and challenged to build its own miniature wind turbines.

The wind turbine, owned by AGR Renewables, is 77m high from the base to the tip of the blades at their highest point, and is capable of reducing carbon emissions by up to 490 tonnes per year.

Energy provided by the wind turbine - up to 1,700 megawatt hours (MWh) per annum - is supplied directly to the Plant, which manufactures more than 700,000 petrol engines a year, including the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine that powers the award-winning Ford Fiesta ST.

By comparison the miniature turbines, built by Coety Primary School, are also wind-powered but stand at just 2ft tall. The miniature turbines were put through a simulated wind tunnel test to measure their energy producing capability.

Ian Pearson, Bridgend Engine Plant manager, said: “The installation of the new wind turbine demonstrates our commitment to supporting sustainable energy.

“It’s great that Coety Primary School could mark this occasion with us – the wind turbine is visible from the school so we hope it encourages an interest in renewable energy and the practical application of science and technology.”

Coety Primary School teacher, Victoria Nicholls, said: “We were thrilled to be able to visit the plant and see the turbine because the children study sustainable and renewable energy as part of their lessons.”

AGR Renewables wind energy specialist, Sophie Buttress, added: “It was great to see the children get so involved and ask some challenging questions as it shows they understand the importance of sustainable energy.”

The installation of the new wind turbine can be seen at http://ford.to/12mBtLl