Emma Wakefield Politics Show South East

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Is the answer blowing in the wind?

As the number of houses in the South East continues to increase, with 30,000 planned for Ashford alone, the energy needs will rise to match the new demand.

At the same time, as part of the Government's pledge to meet its Kyoto target of 12.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990, the UK must look for cleaner sources of energy.

In Kent, 2 solutions are on the table.

Romney Marsh is to be the site of a 26 turbine wind farm whilst a third reactor is proposed for Dungeness.

Opinion in the region is divided over the merits of both and their potential impact on the environment.

But should there be a third way?

If each new housing development had to provide at least a percentage of it's own power then that would go some way towards alleviating the problem.

A Kent man has modified his own house to do just that and demonstrates just how effective sustainable energy on a small scale can be.

Paul Siegert

Politics Show South East

Politics Show South East is live from the studio in Tunbridge Wells.

Join Paul Siegert on Politics Show on Sunday 20 November 2005 at Noon on BBC One.

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