Students are to learn about a greener way to harness power with the help of state-of-the-art experiment kits.

Bermuda Electric Light Company (Belco) yesterday presented 70 fuel cell experiment kits to eight of the Island?s schools, plus Bermuda Zoological Society, the Boys? Brigade and the Girl Guide Association.

The kits are aimed at increasing youngsters? understanding of renewable energy technology. Fuel cell energy ? often dubbed the energy source of the 21st century ? is a clean electric power which uses hydrogen fuel cells.

It was demonstrated at Belco?s headquarters to teachers and staff from the various schools and organisations.

Belco engineering intern Michael Sinclair showed how the kit transformed into a car which operated with the use of distilled water and a solar energy panel.

?Anyone can put the kit together and make it run but I think it would be more beneficial for students of higher ages,? he said. ?I believe this fuel cell kit will be an excellent teaching tool.?

Garry Madeiros, Belco president and chief executive officer, said fuel cell technology had been being touted as the next big thing for the last 20 years but its cost was ?exorbitant?.

He said the kits interested Belco because of its commitment to renewable sources of power and plans to start buying energy generated by ocean waves next year. And he revealed that the company had been approached by a group interested in creating a hydrogen plant in Bermuda.

?We haven?t got on board that particular scheme but it?s something else that?s being talked about on the Island,? he said.

The schools receiving kits were: CedarBridge Academy, Berkeley Institute, Bermuda Institute, Saltus Grammar School, Warwick Academy, Somersfield Academy, Mount Saint Agnes Academy and Bermuda High School.

Belco is also supplying kits to the Ministry of Environment for use at its Youth Conference on Environment next month.