improve the environment and slash energy bills, scientists said yesterday.

The idea was revealed at an alternative energy conference at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research yesterday.

Visiting scientists told a capacity crowd that if Bermuda approved introduction of the wind turbine system, it could expect to see initial production in as little as three years.

The project, which is supported by the Ministry of Environment, would align Bermuda with other countries which have already successfully adopted the project, said advisor to the Ministry and ecological engineer consultant, Dr.

Pauulu Kamarakafego.

"This is a reality,'' he said. "We are already seeing it in countries such as Barbados and the Pacific Islands.'' The project, which scientists estimated would cost millions of dollars, consists of turbines which use the wind to produce power more efficiently and powerfully than windmills.

The turbines would be placed offshore to allow them to harness the maximum amount of wind and scientists said they could be anchored to a foundation comprised of several hundred tons of concrete and lined in an arc some two to six kilometres from shore.

Samsoe Energy Company representative Hans Bjerregaard said Denmark had already introduced the multi-story towers to their offshore area and they had been successful in producing reliable and sustainable energy.

Belco environmental manager, Wayne Carey, said Belco had a particular interest in the project because it would help move Bermuda toward a more cost efficient and healthier way of life.

Mr. Carey noted that pollution emission from existing towers would be considerably reduced with the introduction of the wind turbines.

"This is one of the fastest growing renewable energy concepts in the world,'' he said.

However he added: "Bermudians' view of the world will have to be altered if we want to make wind power a reality.'' Scientists agreed that certain challenges needed to be addressed before Bermuda saw visions of 60-metre-tall towers on the coastal horizon.

Concerns raised included seawater corrosion, storm damage, costs and the risk to the coral reef.