A NORTH-EAST housing development is playing host to an energy initiative which is the first of its kind in the region.

Twelve homes at Newcastle Great Park, Gosforth, on Tyneside, have been fitted with energy-generating photovoltaic cells, which convert light into electricity.

The innovation can help the homeowners reduce electricity bills by between 25 and 40 per cent a year.

The project, which was initiated and managed by The Northern Energy Initiative Services Ltd (TNEI Services Ltd), is supported by Bryant/Taylor Woodrow and Persimmon Homes, and is the first time that the technology has been used on new-build houses in the North-East.

The system is integrated into the roof tiles or installed directly on to the roofs.

Designed by Arup, it harnesses sunlight to generate electricity, which can be used directly in the home. Any surplus electricity can be sold back to the electricity supplier - providing an agreement is made.

Helen Nisbet, of TNEI Services, said: "It's a sobering thought that fossil fuels are forecast to run out in our lifetime, making the need to harness natural resources and find alternative sources of energy a priority.

"The project on the Newcastle Great Park demonstrates how accessible this new technology is and the contribution this can make to powering the home, therefore highlighting the real long-term benefits of energy conservation for homeowners and the environment alike.

"As well as reducing energy bills, the system display panel enables the owner to measure the electricity being used in the home and monitor exactly how much electricity is being produced by their photovoltaic system. We are hoping that this will encourage occupiers to take more notice of their electricity use. It's amazing just how much electricity we waste - a TV on standby overnight uses the same amount of electricity as a night's viewing."

John Cover technical director of Bryant/Taylor Woodrow Developments, said: "The photovoltaic project is an exciting and important initiative."

The DTI-funded photovoltaic project has received further support from BP Solar, Scottish and Southern Energy, Newcastle City Council and One NorthEast.

Colin Percy, planning officer with Newcastle City Council, said: "The council is pleased the project has gone so well as we hope this new technology will be used more widely.

"In the past, there have been some concerns about the appearance of PV roof units.

"However, we were keen to use the project as a pilot so that planners and others in the region could come and see what they look like in a real-life situation."

Published: 04/11/2003