Ford Dagenham's third wind turbine will be installed alongside the Thames to the eastern edge of the manufacturing site.

The three-bladed turbine, measuring 120 metres tall, is to be assembled on Ford's 475-acre estate later this year.

Ford's existing two turbines, standing either side of the Dagenham estate, power Dagenham Diesel Centre.

Ford's 1.4-litre diesel engine, and the 1.6 powering frugal Ford Econetics, are assembled at Dagenham Diesel Centre.

The third turbine was ordered to maintain the plant's green energy supply. Planning permission was granted for the new turbine last year.

Ford's existing turbines produce 6.7 million units (kilowatt hours) of clean electricity each year – avoiding over 6,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually since their installation in 2004. The third turbine is expected to increase clean electricity by 70% to 11.5 million units, the equivalent to powering a further 1,400 homes.

Dale Vince, managing director of wind turbine partner Ecotricity, said: "When household names like Ford use windmills for their everyday operations, it's a sign that wind energy has come of age. It's special to see demand for cleaner engines grow – and built by the power of wind."