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A local council could be the first authority in the country to have a wind turbine on its premises which could supply the national grid.

Dover District Council is leading the way after planners gave the all clear last week for the 17 metre wind turbine, which subject to final agreements could be up and running by the end of the year. It is estimated that the turbine, which will help power the Council's Whitfield offices, could save more than £4,000 on energy bills, at current energy prices. DDC's Energy Efficiency Officer has worked with the Kent Energy Centre to secure green funds to support the installation of this renewable technology, including £30,000 from the Energy Saving Trust from the Government's Low Carbon Building Programme.

The project has also been partly funded by EDF Energy, which has granted £30,000 towards the scheme from its Green Energy Fund. The fund is generated by voluntary contributions from EDF Energy customers paying a green tariff matched by EDF Energy pound for pound. Many thousands of EDF Energy customers have opted into the scheme and each pay around £15 per year towards renewable energy schemes.

Although the turbine will not be able to supply all the Council office electricity needs at peak times, it is expected to generate 45-50,000 kWHrs/yr and the turbine will be linked to the national grid to export electricity at times of low demand.

Roger Walton, Dover District Council's Head of Property and Procurement, said: 'We are delighted at the successful outcome of this exciting project and are proud to be leading the way, working with other agencies and partners in the community. The wind turbine is setting a great example of how we can work to help the environment, to cut our carbon footprint by using green renewable energy, and save money for the future.'