Opus Energy visits Northampton school to share why renewable energy is so important

When our Renewables team heard that the school was about to teach its enthusiastic Year 4 students all about renewable energy, they were keen to get involved. The lesson was a chance for students to think about renewable energy and how it works, identifying the benefits and the differences from fossil fuels.

With the goal of bringing learning to life, Renewable Team Leader Victoria Moor and Renewable Administrator Aiden Thomas headed over to the school to introduce the children to all things renewable energy – starting with an introduction to Drax Group and sustainable biomass.

Next up, the students learned about other renewable energy sources and facts. Did you know that just one of the renewable energy generators that Opus Energy buys electricity from generates enough electricity in one day to power one games console for 88 years?

The session wrapped up with some practical demonstrations, examining some models of wind turbines, hydroelectric generators and solar panels, working together in teams to power up an electric light. One student particularly impressed the team by making a solar-powered model boat, which she left to charge on the window during the day and watched it power itself through the bath at night.

Ms Amanda Simmons, the teacher who oversaw the lessons, said the sessions were brilliantly received:

“The visit from Opus Energy was a fantastic way to kick-start our electricity topic with lots of interesting facts about different energy sources. Aiden and Victoria were very passionate about renewable energy.

“The presentation was pitched at a perfect level and the pupils were engrossed with all of the facts. The interactive elements made the afternoon really memorable and fired the students’ passion for saving the planet and using clean energy.

“I can’t thank Opus Energy enough for teaching the pupils about energy sources and efficiency is such an entertaining way and also for raising awareness of the environmental issues.”

Opus Energy’s Head of Renewable Operations, Andrew Dayus, is keen to continue working with local schools:

“We heard that Wellingborough School had a lesson scheduled to teach some of their Year 4 students about electricity, and we thought it was a great opportunity to relay our knowledge, particularly about renewable energy. The students were great; so enthusiastic and engaged!"

“We’ve been looking for ways to do more in our local communities and interacting through the local schools seemed like a fun idea. The feedback we have had has been really positive and we’re hopeful that we can visit more schools in the coming months.”

Reaching out and working with schools is just one of the ways that we work to improve our communities for the better; all three of our offices work closely to support local charities, voted for by our staff.

If your school is interested in learning more about renewable energy, drop our Renewables department a line by emailing renewablesteam@opusenergy.com.