The new centre aims to promote offshore renewable energy

Hartlepool Council says 32 of 38 sites will have switched to renewable sources by November, with the rest to follow.

The authority says it is in the process of switching all civic buildings to green power sources.

Almost 13,000 streetlights, 850 road signs and 60 sets of traffic lights in the town already use green electricity.

Power stations

Helen Beaman, the council's environment co-ordinator, said: "We recognise the importance of striving for a sustainable future, and it is important that we are seen to be practising what we preach.

"Previously, only the civic centre was powered exclusively by green electricity and I am delighted that we are now in a position to power our other buildings in the same way."

Around two-thirds of the UK's electricity is currently generated by burning gas and coal in power stations, resulting in the release of millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide, the so-called "greenhouse" gas that contributes to global warming and climate change.

But the council has struck a deal with energy supplier npower, and the green electricity will be generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar and hydro power.