AN �18.5 million wind farm has been opened in Coldham.

The seven new turbines, built by The Co-operative Group, will offset 26,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year and be the centrepiece of a groundbreaking green education facility for Fenland schools.

Together with The Co-operative’s existing wind farm of eight turbines adjacent to the site, the new White Mill facility will generate in excess of 70 GW hrs electricity per year, enough to supply approximately 16,500 homes.

“This is a fantastic example of how The Co-operative Group’s businesses can work together with a focused social agenda that will benefit local communities and inspire the next generation to be the green pioneers of the future,” Rob Ellis, sustainable development manager at The Co-operative Group said.

The 14 mega watt wind farm is designed to be a long-term energy source for The Co-operative Group.

However it also hopes its ‘Green Schools Revolution’ Education Centre, created with Fenland District Council, will be a “major draw for schools from far and wide”.

It will enable pupils to visit a wind turbine and learn about sustainable energy as well as get out on the farmland on the site to learn how food is grown and how to prepare a healthy meal.

Schools that use the centre will also get access to a wide range of free cross-curricular classroom resources and activities online, helping students to take the lessons learned at White Mill back home.

Sarah Klueter, senior community investment manager for The Co-operative Group, said the scheme “demonstrates a clear appetite for environmental learning”.

“It’s great to see so many schools really making the most of all the programme has to offer,” she said.

Children from All Saints Primary School, in County Road, March, were some of the first pupils to have a look around the facility.