MEMBER NEWS: Wind turbine project energises city and shire school pupils

October 27, 2022
MEMBER NEWS: Wind turbine project energises city and shire school pupils

School pupils from across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have built their own offshore wind turbines as part of a renewable energy education project.

Youngsters from Dunecht, Skene and Meethill primary schools recently visited Aberdeen Science Centre, where a giant 1,800 litre water tank was temporarily installed in the garden.

After working with Belgian organisation OffshoreWind4Kids to learn about what make a turbine work and how wind can be used to produce energy, the children built their own model turbines, designed to withstand specific wind and wave conditions.

They then put their wind turbines to the test in the tank before exploring the centre’s 60 interactive exhibits.

Global safety and skills organisation OPITO has given the turbines to Aberdeen Science Centre on permanent loan, which will allow many more schools to have the chance to build their own prototype models.

OffshoreWind4Kids is designed to educate children in the field of engineering, technology and renewable energy.

This is the second OffshoreWind4Kids event in Aberdeen in recent weeks, with youngsters from city schools trying out their own kits at the beach in the summer.

Bryan Snelling, chief executive of Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “We are very grateful to OPITO for the permanent loan of 14 of the model wind turbine kits, which will allow us to run workshops for more schools and community groups.

“Renewable energy is more important than ever as we navigate the energy transition and we work closely with OPITO and other partners to provide topical STEM education and workshops.

“We hope these and our mix of hands-on exhibits will inspire visitors of all ages, but particularly young people, to relate STEM to their career choices as the energy industry works towards achieving its Net Zero targets.”

Andy Williamson, Senior Vice President of Energy Transition and Global STEM Lead at OPITO said: “Offshore wind will play an essential role in the future of energy, creating exciting new job roles for young people. Inspiring and engaging children in STEM-related activities from an early age is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the infinite possibilities a career in the energy industry can offer.

“The OffshoreWind4Kids initiative, and the Wind Turbine Project, provide valuable hands-on experience while creating a deeper understanding of renewable energy. We are delighted to be involved and provide turbine kits to Aberdeen Science Centre to allow these events to continue with schools throughout Aberdeen city and shire.

“As an industry, it is our responsibility to attract the next generation of young people with the passion, creativity, and determination to imagine a different future.”

OPITO has been committed to inspiring the next generation to pursue a career in the energy industry for decades. Its extensive programme of resources and events include a £600,000 investment in Aberdeen Science Centre’s OPITO Theatre of Energy, the only one of its kind in the UK, offering an immersive experience for visitors.

Recently awarded 5-star visitor attraction status, the centre reopened to the public in 2020 after a major project to create an aspirational science centre which reflects the STEM priorities for both industry and education.

The centre’s exhibits are aimed at all ages and are themed into six zones: Energy; Space; Life Sciences; Make It, Test It; and the dedicated area for the under-6s, as well as the Shell Learning Zone, where STEM is brought to life.

Aberdeen Science Centre’s £4.7million redevelopment was made possible by generous support and funding from the Inspiring Science Fund – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome – with additional funding provided by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.

The project secured a further £1.5million from funders and sponsors including Shell, Equinor, bp, The Robertson Trust, TAQA and CNOOC International as well as OPITO, to deliver quality exhibits and programmes to enhance the overall visitor experience at the venue, as well through its outreach work.

For more information on Aberdeen Science Centre or to book a visit, go to https://aberdeensciencecentre.org/

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AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

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AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables
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Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
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The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy
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Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall
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Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise