Pilot study will reveal whether wind power will be viable for billion pound regeneration of Elephant and Castle

Southwark Council has installed a large-scale wind turbine on one of its existing council buildings for the first time.

The 6kW wind turbine, installed by Proven Energy, has been positioned on Ashenden House, an 11-storey residential building near the New Kent Road.

The council intends to use the four-month pilot project to show that wind is a viable renewable form of energy and can play an important part in the billion pound regeneration of nearby Elephant and Castle.

The trial, which has been carried out in partnership with South Bank University, will measure any impact on nearby homes for noise levels and possible vibration.

A second turbine of a different design will be installed in the second phase of the trial later in the year.

Cllr Richard Thomas, Southwark Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "Renewable energy has to be at the very heart of new development, and this work demonstrates our commitment to protecting the environment at the Elephant and Castle."

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