PETERSFIELD could soon be at the forefront of a renewable energy revolution providing low-cost power to homes, schools and businesses.
This could mean solar panels heating the Taro Centre Pool, Ôhome grownÕ electricity in the Festival Hall and ÔgreenÕ power making new housing estates self-sufficient.
Environmentally-friendly energy sources, ranging from solar and wind power to biomass and hydrogen fuel cells, could be providing power in the town.
The proposal was outlined at East Hampshire District CouncilÕs Environment and Countryside panel last week.
Domestic plants could be up and running in the next year, and small-scale commercial plants could be operating within three years.
The Natural Light Project, a partnership between Hampshire County Council, EHDC and the South Downs Conservation Board, will conduct a detailed study into the types of small-scale energy plants that could be built in the district.
The proposals being investigated are high-efficiency domestic and agricultural wood-fuelled boilers, solar panels and small commercial plants.
Panel chairman, Judy Onslow, said: ÒIf we are to seriously tackle the causes of climate change and begin to prevent some of the devastating floods of recent years we must begin to embrace these new technologies. We would very much like to hear from anyone who is already implementing or involved in such projects in the district.Ó
Guy Riddoch, EHDCÕs sustainable development manager, said the new domestic boilers use wood-pellet fuel and are a far cry from the traditional Aga.
He said: ÒIt is all automatic. They are very efficient and are widely used in Scandinavian countries.
ÒIt also gives us the chance to regenerate derelict woodland. If we can start a market for woodchip fuel we can give an incentive to get these areas managed.Ó
Mr Riddoch said that similar systems could be used on farms, providing heat for five or six industrial units.
ÒA plant the size of a house could generate one to two megawatts, enough for one to two thousand homes.
ÒWe might be able to make some of these new housing estates supply their energy needs through this type of plant.
ÒThe closer you can generate electricity to the user the more efficient you are,Ó he said.
The panel also heard how a similar scheme has been extremely successful in Woking.
Woking has been piloting renewable energy schemes for 10 years and is using the energy for swimming pools, homes and even parking meters.
Mrs Onslow said: ÒIt was fantastic to see how other councils are making these projects happen, and I would love to see similar successful schemes being developed here in East Hampshire.Ó
Mr Riddoch said the Natural Light Project would provide the first step towards making the proposals a reality. Five energy companies will be outlining proposals to the project, which will select two to carry out a more detailed study.
He said: ÒIt is not just some academic research. It will be a commercial enterprise.Ó