Walking through the remote communities of South America sparked scientist John Simnett to press ahead with an idea that could transform the lives of the villagers who had befriended him.

Dr Simnett had already come up with the idea of a small-scale wind turbine to provide basic electricity needs at his isolated retreat in Allendale in Northumberland.

And it was while travelling in Chile that Dr Simnett realised that a better version of his machine could revolutionise life in third world areas without power.

Today Dr Simnett, who lives in Jesmond, Newcastle, will be presented with a £10,000 grant from the Department of Trade and Industry to develop his turbine.

He said last night: "This is going to be a very sophisticated machine using advanced materials and technology which will keep the price down."

It is hoped that the turbine, which could operate on a 10ft mast, could be available for around £200.

Biologist Dr Simnett went travelling to South America after retiring 10 years ago as a lecturer at Newcastle University.

"I like getting into the wilds and in the Andes in southern Chile I met people who live in very scattered and remote communities and stayed with them. They showed me great hospitality," he said.

Dr Simnett has returned several times. "But they have no electricity and can't read at night, they have no radio, can't get news or listen to music, and children can't do homework."

Their only light is made from filling an old can with diesel and using sheep wool as a wick.

"It is like a Molotov cocktail and is a fire danger," he added.

He decided to develop his Allendale prototype turbine, made from an old washing machine motor, so that it could be used across the third world.

"There are 400 million families worldwide in the same situation as those I met in Chile," said Dr Simnett.

And with developed countries suffering from power crashes and oil and gas reserves running out eventually, the turbine also has great potential for use in the UK.

Dr Simnett is working with Worldwide Environmental Technologies, based in Washington, Tyne and Wear, which makes plastic products from vegetable oil and plans to use the material for the casings, propellor and various components of the turbine.

The wind-driven propellor powers a small motor, which generates electricity that is stored in a battery for use.

It can power lights, a radio, a portable TV and charge a mobile phone.

The Journal: Today's Voice of the North 

Page 2: Campaigners get the wind up