A SUPERMARKET is proposing to install a 10 metre high wind turbine to generate its own power, but the plans have got a mixed reaction from environmental campaigners.

Tesco has applied to build a 10.6 metre high turbine within the car park of its Chepstow store on Station Road - believed to be the first in Gwent.

The turbine will generate six kilowatts of power under ideal wind conditions - enough to power four households.

The unit will be similar to the turbine installed at Tesco’s Penarth Marina store.

Unlike a windmill, the turbine can cope with swirling winds and does not have to be turned to face oncoming wind.

It is part of a £100 million pound investment by the company into sustainable energy.

It is thought to be the first installation of its type in Chepstow, environmental campaigners say.

Janet Rawlings of Friends of the Earth Chepstow said it was “great” Tesco were making an effort on renewable energy.

But she added: “If they really wanted to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels they should shut the store’s door."

She said the Chepstow’s store’s door remains open all day, theoretically allowing heat to escape.

A spokesman for Tesco said there is always more the firm could do, and that the firm was in the process of building lobbies on the front of its stores. He couldn’t confirm where Chepstow featured in that programme.

The turbine may generate less than 10 per cent of the store’s energy needs, he added, although he said they are currently testing the technology and do not know precisely how much electricity it will generate.

The firm has 11 stores in Gwent.

He said that the company conducts energy audits and that each site has an “energy champion” who ensures it is as efficient as possible.