Children across Scotland are being challenged by the UK’s leading wind energy company to develop new and ingenious ways of generating cleaner greener energy.

The competition, which is open to S3 pupils and above, invites children to demonstrate renewable energy projects of the future and could see them pitch their designs to a panel of industry experts at Whitelee, Europe’s largest onshore windfarm, located near Glasgow.

The visitor centre at Whitelee Windfarm, operated in partnership with Glasgow Science Centre, has welcomed more than 250,000 visitors through its doors since opening in 2009 making it one of the most popular eco-attractions in Scotland. The centre’s learning hub, staffed by Glasgow Science Centre experts, caters for primary and secondary school visits with workshop sessions tailored to specific age groups to teach pupils more about the technology and science behind renewable energy.

Simon Christian, UK Managing Director of ScottishPower Renewables said: “We are keen to highlight to young people the many career opportunities available in renewable energy and encourage them to start thinking about our future energy needs.

“The industry is seeing unprecedented growth in Scotland and there’s never been a more exciting time to get involved renewable energy.”

The competition

Entrants will be required to submit a detailed brief of their design for a new and innovative way of generating renewable energy across one of three categories; inspired by nature, most creative or improving on an existing idea. Entries to include information on; the best location for the technology, potential pros and cons, the materials used to construct the device and how the technology would benefit the environment. Teams should also submit a 3D model or computer based animation of their project.

The top five proposals from each category will be invited to display and present their idea either in person or via video link on Monday 11th March 2013 at Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre where a judging panel of industry experts will ask questions and provide feedback.

The overall winner on the day will receive an iPad for their school and have their project displayed in the Visitor Centre.

Entries should be submitted by 11th February 2013 to:

Whitelee Visitor Centre
Moor Road
Eaglesham
G76 0QQ

Further information and full terms & conditions are available at www.whiteleewindfarm.com

Follow us @Visit_Whitelee and tell us how your projects are developing.

Media information: Kenny Craig - 0141 614 4525