YOUNGSTERS across the North-east of Scotland will have the chance to learn about wind energy thanks to a new mobile wind turbine exhibit donated to Aberdeen Science Centre.
The centre has been awarded £7,500 in sponsorship by Energy Transition Zone Ltd (ETZ) to purchase the mobile exhibit.
It will be used to help children and young people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire learn more about wind energy and the significant role it plays as part of the energy transition.
It will also become part of the centre’s community engagement sessions for underserved and underrepresented audiences across the region.
As well as including information on renewables as a source of energy, the sessions will cover skills used in the renewables sector and career opportunities.
The centre already delivers workshops to communities across the north of Scotland focusing on engagement with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
When not being used by the outreach team, the exhibit will be set up at Aberdeen Science Centre’s energy zone, where it will be used by school groups visiting the centre.
Part of the funding will be allocated for staff time to develop engaging and fun content around the exhibit to ensure visitors benefit from a rounded learning experience.
Steph McCann, fundraising manager at Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “We’re very grateful for the funding we’re receiving from ETZ.
“Support such as this is vital in helping us to continue to develop our outreach programme to reach as many people as possible.
“This funding will enable us to give young people across many of our underserved communities increased access to learning about the opportunities and options available to them if they consider following a STEM-focused career path.
“It will also help them develop their knowledge and understanding of the energy transition journey and why that is important as we move towards net zero.”
ETZ is a private sector-led, not-for-profit company which is spearheading North-east Scotland’s energy transition ambition.
It receives funding from the Scottish and UK Governments and has a clear focus on repositioning the region as a globally recognised new and green energy cluster.
The funding for Aberdeen Science Centre is part of its commitment to engage with the local community, including highlighting career possibilities and technology.
Lauren Braidwood, project manager at ETZ, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Aberdeen Science Centre in promoting energy knowledge and skills throughout our local communities.
“We want to ensure energy careers are accessible and inclusive to all, and outreach activities are essential in communicating opportunities across the region.
“Young people are the North-east’s workforce of the future and inspiring them into STEM and energy careers is critical to ensuring a just energy transition.
“Everyone has a part to play in achieving a net zero future, so it’s more important than ever that we bring local people along on this exciting journey.”
