NC wind farms host pupils
the presentations,” he said.
The wind farm site visit followed a presentation earlier in the morning, where prizes were handed out for the best creative writing submissions, which is part of the “Clean Energy, Brighter Futures” Renewable Energy Awareness Campaign.
“This was launched in March this year to increase awareness of wind energy and to strengthen ties between the local wind farms and the surrounding community. The wind farms also funded a large purchase of Life Science textbooks for all Grade 10 pupils,” Quinn said.
“It is important that pupils understand what wind energy is about and see their local wind farms up close. Most importantly, we hope to encourage an interest in renewable energy as a future career option for these pupils,” he added.
Kevin Foster, Project Manager of Khobab Wind Farm, the project that is located adjacent to Loeriesfontein Wind Farm, pointed out that the content of the programmes were targeted at Grade 8 to 12 pupils and designed to fit into their Natural Sciences and Life Orientation studies.
“We endeavour to help pupils understand the construction process and how their specific community will benefit from having a wind farm on its doorstep, both during and after construction,” Foster said.
Included in the awareness programmes are topics such as the basics of renewable energy; how a wind turbine generates electricity; and the need for renewable energy projects within South Africa.