LYDNEY harbour has been targeted as the "ideal site" for a permanent new exhibition centre showcasing sustainable energy technology.
It would incorporate working examples of wind, hydroelectric and tidal generation and a purpose-built three-storey exhibition centre which will draw tourists and educational parties from around the country and even overseas.
Ian Daycock, the consulting engineer behind the project, says it would also employ "28 or 30" local people full time, not including ancillary part-timers like cleaning staff and the local workers involved in initial construction.
Energy 21, a Stroud-based organisation promoting sustainable energy methods through national and international exhibitions, employs Mr Daycock to investigate workable projects which pose no threat to the environment.
Visiting Lydney Dock last week he said: "The dock site is wonderful – it is ideal and has all the elements in place for an educational centre."
Other parts of the project include:
(blob). A pier on or along the canal bank or perhaps the sea defence bank containing a series of wind turbines.
(blob). A hydroelectric generator utilising the outfall from the canal into the River Severn.
(blob). A tidal mill generator, and a "mini" tidal barrage to demonstrate tidal current power.
Other technologies such as biomass production and the use of vegetable oil-powered generation would be shown, and the centre itself would operate on solar energy.
Mr Daycock sees the centre as a profit-making enterprise with at least some of the capital raised by a share issue. Grants are another avenue being explored.
He said the centre could easily run in harmony with marina proposals already being studied for the dock and it would be "wonderful" to see it all as a bustling and vibrant site. Energy 21 was talking with the Environment Agency and English Heritage about the plan.
"All the technologies are in place to switch over to alternative energy production now. We can do all that without harming a worm," he said.
A display showing current proposals for a marina at Lydney Dock is expected to be mounted soon in the foyer of the Co-op store, Lydney. Bob Smythe will shortly be writing in the Review about the plans.