Pupils from across Aberdeen City have now completed the Wind Energy Challenge, with Harlaw Academy named the overall regional winners following a final at Aberdeen Science Centre.
The challenge, organised by TechFest in partnership with Great British Energy, Energy Transition Zone Ltd, Robert Gordon University, and Developing the Young Workforce North East (DYW North East), saw S4 pupils work in teams to develop plans for a wind farm capable of powering an Aberdeenshire village.
Teams from Bridge of Don Academy, Harlaw Academy, Lochside Academy, St Machar Academy, and Dyce Academy first competed in their own in-school challenges before the winning teams progressed to the regional final. During the challenge, pupils explored the practical considerations involved in developing a wind energy project, including calculating electricity requirements, selecting the number and size of turbines, and considering the differences between onshore and offshore developments.
Jamie Hutcheon, Director of DYW North East, said: “The Wind Energy Challenge is a great example of what can be achieved through collaboration between education, employers and industry partners. It has been inspiring to see pupils working together, thinking creatively and gaining valuable hands-on experience of a sector that will play an important role in our region’s future.”
At the final, each team presented its proposed wind farm to a panel of assessors. The pupils were required to support their plans with a financial breakdown covering the expected start-up costs for investment, and estimated years to reach profitability.
The teams also outlined plans to reduce the potential environmental impact of their developments and considered wider benefits, including employment opportunities and community funding.
Participating teams presented well-considered proposals, demonstrated effective teamwork and showed an understanding of the technical, financial, environmental and community considerations involved in developing a wind farm.
Lauren Braidwood, Senior Skills Manager at Energy Transition Zone Ltd, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many young people excited about renewable energy and developing skills for real-world energy projects. I have been so impressed with the teams’ solutions, the detailed analysis they have gone through, and the confidence they have gained through the challenge – all of which are critical skills for our future energy workforce.”
Congratulations to Harlaw Academy, whose proposal was selected as the overall winner. The winning team will now be invited to attend the opening of the Great British Energy headquarters later in September.
Dan McGrail, CEO of Great British Energy, said: “At Great British Energy we want to inspire the next generation of energy workers, and we were very pleased to support TechFest’s wind energy competition. Giving young people the opportunity to tackle a real-world energy challenge is a powerful way to bring the opportunities and complexities of the energy transition to life.
“The quality of work of everyone who has taken part has been exceptional. The creativity of the pupils involved is exactly what our sector needs, and I hope that the competition has sparked an interest in energy for everyone involved. A big congratulations to our winning team from Harlaw Academy, we look forward to welcoming them to the opening of our Aberdeen HQ later this year.”
The Wind Energy Challenge forms part of TechFest’s programme of school activities, providing pupils with opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics through practical, project-based challenges, and is possible with the thanks to TechFest’s sponsors and supporters.