Nissan seeks fair wind for farm

Wind could be used to power Nissan's Sunderland factory

Nissan is seeking planning permission to build a wind farm in the middle of its Sunderland plant.

The car maker plans to power the factory with seven turbines, capable of producing enough electricity to power the equivalent of 2,600 homes.

Nissan said using windpower would enable it to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 10,000 tonnes a year.

The turbines would be installed on low-lying ground within the plant in an effort to minimise their visual impact.

'Safe and friendly'

Nissan needs to get approval from Sunderland City Council before it can start.

"The wind farm is central to our aim of cutting power plant emissions and generating energy in a safe and environmentally friendly manner," said Nissan Motor UK's chief engineer Graham Bagley.

All well as the environmental benefits, Nissan said it would also save money by embracing wind power.

"In light of steeply rising energy prices, the farm would also provide an annual cost saving to Nissan Motors UK, helping it to remain commercially competitive," Mr Bagley added.

If planning permission is granted, the project will be completed by autumn 2005.