NOW we have the devastating news that volume car production is to cease at Longbridge, has anyone considered what could be a very viable and profitable alternative?
Most of the 22 million or so UK households, and the many millions of businesses, have at least one motor car.
What they do not have in the main are: Solar panels for their electricity, for choice Dye Solar Cells, which reportedly would generate current at about the same cost as nuclear, and reduce the need for the latter.
Could these be assembled at Longbridge, with components from local manufacturers?
Heat Pumps for their heating - 90 per cent of Swedish houses have one. Could these be made in the engine works ?
Non-fossil fuel devices, eg fuel cells, these can be run from methane from digesters using food and other organic waste. (The Ludlow Digestion unit, due on stream in April, 2006 is going to use conventional CHP).
Ten years ago ETSU at Harwell estimated the global market for the above, and other non-fossil fuel technologies as £1560bn. It isprobably much higher today.
What is West Midlands industry doing to break into this enormous market instead of just concentrating on what we all have lots of already?
Andrew Stobart,
secretary, the Grnhaus Project,
Orleton,
Ludlow,
SY8 4HU
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article