 It is hoped the turbine will pay for itself through energy savings |
Schools have been told to become more "green". By 2020, the government wants them to cut energy use and encourage children to think about the environmental impact of even the smallest action - like leaving a light on or a door open.
To cut pollution, ministers want more schools to install solar panels and wind turbines.
Carrington Junior School in Flackwell Heath, Buckinghamshire, is a pioneer.
A turbine has been erected at the end of the playing field.
The level of power generated and used will be displayed on an interactive whiteboard outside the library.
Flicking the switch
Children will take regular readings and come up with ideas to save energy.
Carrington's head teacher, Jo Plaskitt, said: "They will always be up-to-date with what is going on, with the findings in a prominent position.
"This will make children more aware of ways of saving energy, as we will see how much electricity we are using every day.
"Already we have discovered that leaving computer screens on standby is a drain, so we have to turn them off at night.
"The teachers are learning too. Hopefully it will have a knock-on effect.
"The turbine has created a lot of interest in the village and might lead to similar initiatives elsewhere."
The government is consulting schools across England about how to achieve lower carbon emissions and is due to publish its ideas this autumn.
Carrington Junior School, which is on a hill, received grants from the government and Buckinghamshire County Council for its turbine.
At full capacity, it will provide about half the energy needed for a cold winter's day.
In summer, it will create most of that required by the 240 pupils, aged seven to 11.
The children will also learn of the dangers of global warming and the dwindling of resources such as oil and coal.
The International Energy Agency says the world will need almost 60% more energy in 2030 than in 2002, and fossil fuels will still meet most of its needs.
But oil industry experts estimate that current reserves will only last for about 40 years.
Mrs Plaskitt said: "We are thinking green. It's more about this than saving money.
"If the children grow up knowing more about the environment, they will spread the word.
"It is their children, in turn, who are going to have to be really, really careful with the resources they use."
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If the children grow up knowing more about the environment, they will spread the word
