A NEW �1.5million wind turbine could grace the Ford factory skyline as early as next year. Despite a drastic fall in car production, Ford Dagenham and wind power company Ecotricity are forging ahead with plans to erect the 120-metre structure by the Thame

A NEW �1.5million wind turbine could grace the Ford factory skyline as early as next year.

Despite a drastic fall in car production, Ford Dagenham and wind power company Ecotricity are forging ahead with plans to erect the 120-metre structure by the Thames, about 400 metres south of its "twin sisters".

The two-megawatt turbine would ensure diesel engine production continued to be 100 per cent carbon-free. It would power the equivalent of 1,000 homes.

Blueprints will be submitted next month. Ecotricity hopes a decision can made this summer and construction would follow in 2010.

Ford of Britain chairman Joe Greenwell said: "Ford Dagenham is at the forefront of sustainable business - in both its manufacturing technology and its products.