FAR-reaching plans to bring Lydney as close as possible to energy self-sufficiency have come a step closer with a pioneer hydro-electric project.
The aim is to tap the force of water pouring from underground workings at Norchard Drift, feeding electricity into the local network and adding any surpluses to the National Grid.
"We hope that by getting this initial project off the ground people will be able to see it working and we can pave the way for other projects in the pipeline," said Kierson Wise of the Severn Wye Energy Agency, which is spearheading the project.
Those plans include a further hydro-electric scheme at the Docks outfall of the River Lyd, a biomass-burning power station also in the Docks area and, more controversially, a series of wind turbines along the lower canal bank beyond Lydney station.
"As well as this we are busy promoting household energy conservation to make the most of power we eventually generate," said Mr Wise.
"This includes discussions with developers who may be contributing to Lydney's massive homebuilding plans about incorporating the latest technology in new homes."
There were plans for a biomass boiler at Severnbanks School, while Whitecross was investigating photovoltaic (solar panel) generation.
On the wind turbines front, he said, he had discussed bird migration patterns with the Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge, and it appeared there would be no danger to birds if this went ahead.
The Norchard project was under discussion with Lydney and District in Partnership and the Norchard railway centre – the latter owned the land and hoped the hydroelectric plant might be an additional attraction.
Hopefully this would go ahead on the completion of a new feasibility study for which he was seeking funding.
"It would be good to have a town trail of the various projects once they are up and running," he said.
A public meeting of the Lydney Local Power Energy Club is being held at Taurus Crafts this week.