A major conference on green power is set to generate new ideas for clean sources of energy for Bermuda.

International and Bermudian delegates will examine ways to harness non-polluting power on the Island, including wind and solar power.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson said: "My hope is that the workshop will heighten interest in, and awareness of, alternative energy among Bermudians and residents of other islands like Bermuda around the world.'' Speakers at the conference, which is being organised jointly by Government and the private sector, includes experts from Scandinavia, a world leader in alternative energy, Barbados, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the US.

Mr. Hodgson said: "They will be joining local experts in looking at renewable energy technologies that will have economic and environmental benefits for small islands.

"The workshop programme will include technical presentations and case studies on a variety of types of energy technology.

"Wind and solar power will be discussed, as will such things as hydrogen fuel cells and advanced micro gas turbines.'' Belco representatives will present papers on the possibility of having windmill generators offshore and a Norwegian delegate will talk on the viability of electric, fuel cell and hybrid vehicles as a way to cut down exhaust pollution.

In February, Belco president Garry Madeiros said wind-generated power was being looked at seriously but he ruled out large-scale use of solar power because it required too much land area, while tidal power was washed out due to the small size of waves around Bermuda.

Mr. Hodgson said local students would have their own forum just before the two-day conference opened on June 5 to give them the chance to come up with their own ideas on new power sources, as well as being allowed to observe the full conference in action.

And some of the youngsters will be invited to attend a special United Nations' conference on sustainable development due to be held next year.

The conference, which is open to members of the public, will be held at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research on June 5 and 6.

Mr. Hodgson said: "I should add that the workshop would not have been possible to organise without generous contributions from sponsors.

"Belco, Esso and Shell have helped the Ministry and the Biological Station to bring this environmental workshop to Bermuda.'' Anyone interested in attending the meeting, free of charge, should contact the Environment Ministry on 297-7632 to get a registration form.

ENVIRONMENT ENV