Car plant expands wind farm site

Nissan's Sunderland plant is to increase the size of its wind farm, with the addition of two more turbines.

The site already has six 167ft (51m) Danish-built turbines, which the company says contribute to energy savings of almost £1m a year.

Installation of the new turbines is due to begin in December and together the eight machines will generate 6% of the plant's energy needs.

The £2m wind farm at the 750-acre site became operational in October 2005.

Carbon emissions

Nissan engineer Mike Parkin said: "Our current turbines are performing well in terms of energy cost reduction, so it makes sense to increase the size of the farm.

"It reflects our ongoing commitment to environmental management and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from our operation."

Unlike most wind farms, Nissan's is enclosed entirely within an industrial area on low-lying ground, minimising the impact on the local environment, which is home to varied wildlife, including protected great crested newts.

Before installation begins the newts will be moved to a temporary home on the site.

Nissan employs approximately 4,300 people at Sunderland. The plant currently produces the Qashqai, Note and Micra models