A wind turbine could be installed at a Hayes school and "clean" electricity produced for the community after an energy-generating plan won a top national award.

The scheme at Harlington Community School, supported by Hillingdon Council, is one of ten projects across the country to receive a prestigious National Grid Community 21 Award.

The annual awards, run by electricity transmission company National Grid, helps local authorities to encourage sustainable development in their communities by offering prizes of up to £5,000 for innovative projects run in partnership with community groups.

The award will allow Harlington Community School's renewable energy scheme to get off the ground with a feasibility study and a public consultation exercise.

The school, supported by environmental organisations, believes part of its land close to the M4 and away from houses could be an ideal site for a wind turbine. It also has a south-facing roof that could accommodate solar panels, the school's second choice for generating clean electricity.

Ross Hayman, National Grid's external communications manager, said: "The judges were impressed with this scheme, which seeks to use an alternative method of power generation and also aims to educate future generations about the value of renewable energy."

George Munson, London Borough of Hillingdon's energy efficiency coordinator, said: "The council is keen to promote renewable energy in the borough and if this project is successful we may be able to create similar schemes at other schools."

Neil Sherman, Harlington Community School's headteacher, added: "We have already installed low energy lighting and altered classroom layouts to improve natural light levels.

"We want to build on this by generating our own electricity. Ultimately we aim to be self-sufficient in energy production and produce no CO2 emissions."

January 30, 2003 17:00