The £2 million turbine would generate 20% of the tire plant’s energy and create savings of £700,000 a year.

The first phase is to erect a 45-meter tall mast to measure wind speeds and directions. “If the wind speeds match data collected over the years at Carlisle Airport, then we can put forward a final working proposal to Milan,” a Pirelli spokesman said.

The mast will be erected on June 8 and remain in place for a year. The factory has set a target of having the turbine fully operational in the second half of 2007.