What are the most effective ways to engage young people in Renewable Energy education?

To ignite young minds and foster passion for these transformative technologies, we must showcase their real-world impact in addressing critical problems. Renewable energy is not a boring topic; it is a captivating saga of innovation, sustainability and empowerment. Like a superhero, renewable energy addresses the pressing challenges of our time, combating climate change, pollution, even unemployment, inclusion and universal energy access. Immersive learning experiences can also transform education into a stimulating adventure. Let's harness the technological gadgets that captivate today's youth - virtual reality goggles, artificial intelligence applications, digital twins and advanced analytics - to bring renewable energy concepts to life.

In my experience, engaging young people in Renewable Energy is effective through community-based projects. Students involved in local initiatives, like community solar or neighborhood wind farms, gain hands-on knowledge and a sense of responsibility. This approach educates, instills ownership, and fosters teamwork. By participating in projects benefiting their area, they see the real-world impact of renewable energy, enhancing understanding and commitment to sustainability.

I am the founder of an Earth science based STEM summer camp; and I have found that one of the best ways to engage young people in renewable energy education is to let them experience it for themselves. My students (as young as 6 years old!) engage in hands-on activities and discussions regarding all aspects of renewable energy. This includes building solar-powered models, wind turbine blade design, siting considerations and environmental impacts. I have found that activities and holistic learning at their age level creates a new degree of interest and enthusiasm on the subject.

I believe it is vital that any educational programme should consider not just renewable energy, but the energy system as a whole. The next generation need to understand the factors influencing not only energy supply, but also storage, transmission, and crucially consumption. Focussing on only one element of supply can lead to a distorted view of how the energy system developed to become what it is today, and how it needs to transition to a lower carbon future. This includes the role of both molecular and electrical energy now and in the future.

To foster active participation among younger individuals, an impactful strategy involves the creation of training centers within local communities, focusing on Renewable Energy plants. These centers would serve as dynamic learning hubs, providing hands-on experience and insight into the functioning of renewable technologies. As the sector undergoes rapid expansion, the demand for a skilled workforce is poised to soar. Establishing a strong connection between academia and industry, renewable firms can play key role by significantly augmenting intake of interns. This not only addresses the pressing need for a knowledgeable workforce but also serves as a potent means of disseminating awareness about the opportunities flourishing in the sector.

Get your organisations leadership team to be a source of diverse role modelling for the younger members of the organisation. This goes beyond simply knowledge and skills but also behaviours and demonstrating values. This helps to build succession planning and helps a company scale during growth as well as serving as a source of inspiration to our next generation of leaders.

In the recent years, I've made it a point to utilize every opportunity that came my way to address students in my capacity as a professional from the field. For instance, while speaking to engineering students across the country, I figured there is enough passion in students towards contributing to the climate cause by considering renewable energy as a career option however where they enter the valley of doubt is when they feel the lack of relevant alumni or industry mentors lending them a first-hand understanding about careers in the space, the money in the space and as a result the growth potential for renewable energy professionals across key markets around the world - something which I will continue to try solving for going forward.

Representation matters so it is up to renewable energy professionals to engage with young people. Visit schools for career day, judge science fairs, participate in panels and workshops for early career professionals; and simply be available as a role model and mentor. Whenever a young adult/college student reaches out to me via LinkedIn to talk about my career path and opportunities in this industry I make time to meet with them. Mentors have been invaluable to me throughout my career and still serve me today. I must do the same for others.

Time is needed to the most important asset of a company, people. Therefore Mentoring and setting young people to join experts on classroom and on the job training, visits, plus making them part of a mix team Young and fresh people with senior ones is important

In my experience, young people are stimulated by role modules. A well established and organized mentoring program engages young professionals. A good example is having a young professional shadowing a role model in his day by they and giving them opportunities to engage in small projects which have a beginning, middle and end. So that the person feels the achievement of his/her work. I am a great fan of mentorship.

When I speak at high schools and universities, I incorporate stories about projects all the time. The challenges, benefits, solutions, things learned and most importantly, the people that were involved. These students want to know that the work we do impact real lives and real situations and what better way than to share real stories about how our work changes lives.

Follow me on social media! I regularly give conference presentations related to Wind Offshore (fixed and floating foundations) Marshalling works and creative technical solutions. Next one is mid March in Perth and June/Juli in Melbourne

During conversations with engineering students and young professionals, there is a noticeable enthusiasm to contribute to the fight against climate change. Renewable energies pose challenges and are technologically novel, providing ambitious minds the opportunity to propose innovative ideas in a field with a rich history yet to be fully explored. We stand in a terrain where the new generations can write exciting and transformative chapters. The future of renewable energies is in the hands of those who dare to imagine the unimaginable!

One of the main reasons why storytelling is so effective in engaging young people on renewable energy is its ability to connect emotionally with this audience through data and statistics combined with true stories that other young people all over the world are experiencing. When we see individuals and communities facing challenges related to finding renewable energy solutions, it arouses empathy and makes us feel involved in the fight for a better future. Additionally, storytelling can make future solutions more tangible and accessible instead of feeling overwhelmed by complexity. Another fundamental aspect of storytelling concerns its ability to involve a wider and transversal audience across regions.

I've been lecturing on climate change and renewables for over 25 years. You can't simply dump all of the doomsday bad news on people. You have to instead set the context of our current reality. Use humor, storytelling, and bold visuals to connect this depressing climate data to an action. Show they there are pathways forward. These is a glimmer of hope, but it requires getting people excited about the future we need to create together.

Engaging youth in renewable energy education demands a strategic alignment with their values and interests. By linking it to climate change, social justice, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development, we foster a profound connection. Tailoring the curriculum to specific needs, preferences, and backgrounds, considering age, gender, culture, and location, ensures relevance. This personalized approach transcends technical knowledge, inspiring a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.

Coal-fired power plants killed at least 460,000 Americans during the past two decades, causing twice as many premature deaths as previously thought. It's not just about eliminating carbon emissions, but improving the lives and health of everyone. In addition, the disastrous health effects of living near a coal-fired power plant disproportionately affects communities of color. The poor and minority communities bear most of the health burden from coal-fired power plants. That's how to get EVERYONE interested in changing this.

Young people are more keenly aware that the current energy economy is necessarily coming to an end and hardware solutions in renewable energy is essentially the only activity that provides real hope humanity can pivot to sustainability in a relevant timeline. The message is not just important, it is absolutely critical to both youth and an industry that is far too small today and desperately needs more help - the message of the future renewable economy, an inherently positive vision, is the only way to counteract the widespread anxiety and sense of doom about climate change.

Fund their education. So often students need to choose between making a difference and basic survival. Giving them the resources unlocks their potential.

Generation Alpha's values are likely to be shaped by the prevailing environmental factors during their learning curculum. As a generation growing up in a rapidly changing world, they may prioritize values such as inclusivity and environmental sustainability. In fact, as they mature, there's a likelihood of increased awareness and advocacy for sustainable practices, including a greater push for renewable energy sources to address environmental concerns and combat climate change. Accordingly, they may play a pivotal role in driving and adopting cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

As the world transitions to sustainable energy sources, Saudi Arabia is at the forefront, leading the way with its ambitious Vision 2030. We understand the importance of engaging young people in this transformative industry. That's why we are thrilled to announce an array of exciting opportunities for young minds to contribute to the renewable energy sector and create a sustainable future. Here's what you can expect: 1?? Internship Programs 2?? Research and Development Initiatives 3?? Entrepreneurship Support 4?? Training & Certification 5?? Collaborative Projects By providing these opportunities, we aim to empower young professionals to drive positive change, tackle climate challenges, and contribute to Saudi Arabia's vision.

The pre-existence of a corporate environment oriented towards the use of renewable energy is fundamental. Operational or ongoing projects will give young people the opportunity to work alongside expert colleagues. Management must have a vision in which sustainability is at the center, and for young people, participation in these projects, in addition to being a school, will be an honor to wear for their future career

Engaging young people in Renewable Energy education can be both fun and impactful! Here are some effective ways : 1. Hands-On Projects 2. Field Trips 3. Interactive Workshops 4. Use of Technology 5. Innovation & inclusion of GEN AI 6. On-the-job/project learning 7. Climate / Renewable energy clubs 8. Competition organized by local / government institutes/bodies 9. Education in schools/colleges 10. Community participation

A practical example is partnering with movements like the Liter of Light, a global NGO that promotes sustainable lighting solutions for communities without access to electricity. By engaging in the construction of solar lights, participants gain valuable insights into the principles of renewable energy, solar power, and the potential for sustainable solutions in off-grid areas. This experiential learning fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by communities without electricity and encourages a mindset geared toward innovative and eco-friendly solutions. This kind of initiatives contribute to improved social awareness and renewable energy education, empowering individuals to make a positive impact in underserved regions.

CanSIA, a previous version of today's CanREA started a campaign called "Stand Up For Solar". Being an environmental issue, CanSIA were recommended to utilise and engage with a more "youthful" audience. As a founding board member of the Emerging Leaders for Solar Energy (ELSE), our mission was to foster the next generation of leaders in the industry and offer opportunities to get engaged, and provide action and impact to their respective industry.

Be honest and not promote shortcuts! Renewables are an extraordinary success story. From being a niche, tremendously expensive and inefficient, renewables are now a solid reality becoming more and more a serious business case. However are still a small portion of the energy system and the work to be done remains tremendous. Renewables today are not enough for energy needs - need to grow further, deployed massively and have priorities whenever is possible. But we still need a lot of other energy sources available. At least that is still the case

Summary of what I’ve observed from Indonesia’s largest youth network on renewables of 47+ universities, the Society of Renewable Energy: 1 — build a community of learners and enthusiasts 2 — get a structured curriculum in place so they will know what to expect (ie. renewables 101, tech, policy, finance) 3 — start from the very basics of the climate crisis and how renewables play a role, and have hands-on projects where possible (ie. solar, microhydro) 4 — tie the education into what opportunities are there for them (jobs, internships) 5 — showcase success stories, not just of projects/countries but invite individuals a few years ahead and higher level executives to share their stories also, having pretty slides won’t hurt!

Engage youth in Community Solar education through hands-on projects, field trips to solar sites, and VR workshops. Invite industry speakers for insights, encourage project-based learning, and integrate community solar topics into the curriculum. Organize competitions, emphasizing innovative solutions, and involve students in local solar initiatives. Create a dynamic, holistic education that instills knowledge and community responsibility.

In addition to the five strategies listed for engaging young people in renewable energy education, consider the following ideas: 1) Gamification: Introduce game-based learning platforms that teach renewable energy. 2) International Collaborations: Encourage cross-cultural projects that allow young people to learn from different global perspectives on renewable energy. 3) Innovation Hubs: Create spaces or digital platforms. 4) Scholarship Programs: Offer scholarships for studies and research in renewable energy fields. I believe these additional methods can further stimulate interest and investment in renewable energy among young people, cultivating a generation equipped to tackle energy challenges. Great discussion!

Definitely it is important to show the wide range of renewable technologies. It is not only solar PV and wind but much more. With the renewables came a lot of understanding regarding decentralized grids, bi-directional grids, energy management and software developments to manage new energy systems that are stabile and capable of providing sustainable energy.