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

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

Nissan reportedly said using wind power 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.

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," Nissan Motor UK's chief engineer Graham Bagley told the BBC.

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," Bagley added.

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