IT was a bright idea that sparked the most successful green energy scheme of its type in the country.

Southampton’s District Energy Scheme was being celebrated today, 25 years after it was introduced.

The geothermal system, which pumps hot brine from 200 million-yearold rock a mile below the ground, provides heating for 45 major city centre buildings, including WestQuay Shopping Centre and the Royal South Hants Hospital.

The Combined Heat and Power system also provides hot and chilled water for heating, air conditioning and electricity.

A quarter of a century after it was started with a link to just the Civic Centre, the scheme was due to be commemorated at a reception at the energy centre, with a new mural designed by Anna Rattu, a Year 10 pupil at Quilley School of Engineering in Eastleigh.

Southampton’s environment boss, Cllr Dan Fitzhenry, said: “The scheme and partnership has been the foundation of the council’s nationally-acclaimed environmental credentials.”