STEAM Education Ltd supporting Green Energy & Climate Action Education Programmes in Primary Schools, in partnership with DP Energy and Iberdrola

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy projects, and global energy leader Iberdrola have joined forces with STEAM Education Ltd to launch a series of Green Energy and Climate Action Education Programmes to inspire the next wave of climate scientists, engineers, artists and active citizens.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths and the mission of the organisation is to inspire children to love STEAM subjects, with the help of its partners and community.

The Green Energy & Climate Action Education Programmes will engage 4th to 6th class students in approximately 20 local schools along the South Coast and East Coast with some of the most pressing issues facing the world today. Through a range of participatory activities and creative and scientific processes, the children will be supported to understand the key issues about the Climate Crisis and encouraged to engage in positive climate action in their schools, homes and wider communities.

Classes will receive a five-lesson STEAM programme, focusing either on Engineering or Climate Action. The Engineering programme will introduce the various types of engineering, its role in the development of renewable energy sources, and will engage children in a series of challenges that will develop their creative and critical thinking. The Climate Action programme will explore the science of climate change, its causes and effects, as well as the development of sustainable solutions.

DP Energy will directly assist the programme by supporting STEAM in the delivery of several lessons in person and actively engaging with students during the activities to provide industry expertise.

According to Managing Director of STEAM Education, Dr. Alice D’Arcy: “Supporting children and young people to think creatively, work collaboratively, and understand the science behind the climate crisis are key to empowering them to deal with the significant issues coming down the tracks; we are thrilled that innovative companies like DP and Iberdrola both recognise and support the necessity for, and value in this approach, and look forward to helping build resilient communities together.”

Welcoming the launch, Lisa Enright, Community Liaison Officer, at DP Energy said: “We are delighted with the opportunity to engage with the community and to assist with the development of educational programmes and support school-based activities that will strengthen the interest of the students in science and research activities and to enhance their aspirations in these areas.”

DP Energy is one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy projects. Headquartered in Buttevant in North Cork and operating across the world, the company is committed to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods possible in all of their energy developments.

DP Energy entered into a Joint Venture with global energy leader Iberdrola in February 2021 for a 3GW pipeline of offshore wind projects. As one of the world’s largest renewable energy producers, Iberdrola has substantial experience in offshore wind development and, importantly, shares DP Energy’s commitment to a sustainable and ethical approach to development.

Located off the South Coast of Ireland, the Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park will utilise Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) technology located off the East Coast of Ireland, the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm will utilise Fixed Bottom Technology. Upon completion, the developments will have the potential capacity of up to 1000 MW each – enough clean green energy to power up to 1 million Irish homes. Planned to be operational by 2030, the facilities will directly contribute to Ireland’s climate objective to reduce CO2 emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieve Net-Zero by 2050.

Commenting on the importance of inspiring the next generation, Holly Cartwright, Head of Offshore Development – UK and Ireland said: “The transition to green energy is vital for the environment and it will also offer a wide-range of sustainable career opportunities for decades to come. We hope that the programme can help to inspire some of the students to think about a STEAM-related career that supports the fight against climate change.”

Further information is also available on the project websites www.inisealgamarineenergypark.com and www.shelmalereoffshorewindfarm.com

Students of Templebreedy National School, Image by Darragh Kane.