KEELE University's plans to generate its own power in a pioneering £20 million project were unveiled to the public at a launch event.

On top of a windy hill rich with unmined gassy coal, planners believe the campus is in a unique position to harness the elements and become completely self-sufficient.

Alternative energy sources could include wind turbines, solar panels, coal methane, bio-gas from vegetable peelings and hydropower from nearby lakes.

Residents welcomed the scheme, which it is hoped could save Keele money on energy bills in future.

Eventually, campus transport will be via electric bus, and halls of residence would be improved with extra insulation and other energy-saving measures.

Officials are now starting a period of consultation with residents, and hope to get plans moving within months rather than years.

Andrew Dobson, an environmental politics lecturer who lives on the Keele campus, said: "As an ambition it's a very good and exciting idea to make the campus entirely self-sufficient.

"I believe it is feasible, and we may even generate a surplus of energy that could benefit the wider community.

"With the university's energy bills rising from £1.8 million to £3.2 million in the past three years and expected to rise further, long-term this will save money.

"I think it would be wonderful to live in a place making a statement of that sort. I don't know anyone on the campus who would be opposed to it. People are very excited about being involved in this idea."

John Naylon, aged 77, lives close to the proposed site in Highway Lane, Keele.

The parish councillor said: "It looks like a very imaginative, very ambitious scheme, but it depends on the impact on the landscape and needs to be looked at in more detail."

Phil Butters, assistant director of commercial and facilities management at the university, said all the feedback from yesterday's event will be considered by planners, who will look at modifying the design details.

He said: "We now hope people will put forward their views so we can include them in the final design.

"So far the reaction has been very positive. People seem to be impressed we are trying to conserve energy and with how innovative the scheme is.

"It is bringing together the community, business and education and reducing our carbon footprint. No-one has brought up any concerns so far."