Nearly 3,000 pupils from 11 primary schools took part in an educational project run by Equinor and Polenergia in the Słupsk region. The aim of the campaign is to spread knowledge among the youngest about offshore wind energy and its benefits for the climate and the region. Equinor and Polenergia are jointly developing three wind farms in the Baltic Sea with a total capacity of up to 3,000 MW.
The just-completed second edition of the educational project “One sea, many benefits. Offshore wind energy in my region” involved almost 1,500 pupils and students from five public primary schools in the municipalities of Ustka and Redzikowo (located in Wrześci, Jezierzyce, Siemianice, Redzikowo and Objazd).
In the first edition, held last November, a similar number of pupils and students from schools in Bierkowo, Włynkówko, Zaleskie, Charnów, Ustka and Łeba took part in the project. Children and young people had the opportunity to find out what green energy is and how renewable sources can prevent adverse climate change and strengthen Poland’s energy security.
During the 30 years of offshore wind farms, the industry will need thousands of skilled workers. Offshore wind education targeted at the youngest generation, i.e. primary school pupils, gives them a chance to learn about the sector and choose the right path of further education. We have invited schools from the area in the immediate vicinity of our investments to join the project. It is important for us that pupils from Pomerania perceive offshore wind energy as an opportunity for professional and personal development – Jerzy Zań, President of the Management Board of Polenergia S.A.
The educational project consisted of a series of interactive classes, adapted to the age groups of male and female students. The creative form of the classes, which included the construction of wind turbine models from recycled materials, as well as quizzes and puzzles with prizes, was well received by the participants. Pupils in the older grades also learned about new professions in the renewable energy sector that they could pursue in the future. They also learned about labour market expectations and desired qualifications.
The young generation is increasingly aware of climate change and wants to contribute to stopping it. We believe that global change starts locally. That is why we engage with the regions in which we make our investments. We reach out with information on how offshore wind energy can contribute to halting unfavourable trends. Regular meetings with local residents, participation in the life of these communities, but above all education of the youngest, provide an excellent opportunity for direct discussions, in which we can point out the strengths of offshore wind energy and the benefits of green solutions – Michał Jerzy Kołodziejczyk President of the Management Board of Equinor in Poland.
The new sector of the economy will create tens of thousands of attractive jobs, both in the construction and operation of offshore wind farms and those generated indirectly by component and service suppliers. The three Baltic offshore wind farms with a total capacity of up to 3,000 MW, developed by Equinor and Polenergia, will power more than 4 million households with renewable energy.
It is estimated that the entire cycle of these projects will employ around 10,000 people, some of them in the local labour market. Specialists will be needed in a wide range of fields: from marine and hydro structure design and project management, environmental, maritime and health and safety law, to production, maintenance and service workers.
Source: Polenergia
