News Article

Residential energy efficiency provider eaga plc has formed a partnership with regional development agency One North East, renewable energy centre of excellence NaREC, and the Centre for Design Research at Northumbria University to bring solar power to schools.

Under the pioneering scheme Newcastle-based eaga will install solar thermal demonstration kits in every secondary school in the North-East.

Training and safety guidance will also be provided to the teachers operating the portable panels in the 250-plus schools.

Project coordinators NaREC will oversee the creation of additional curriculum support and teaching aids to deliver a complete hands-on approach to renewables for schools. The project will help to generate interest among students in engineering and science careers, and understand the relevance of carbon emissions and low carbon technologies in everyday life.

The Government has said it wants to cut C02 emissions in the UK by 60% by 2050. Encouraging greater use of renewable energy, such as solar thermal panels, is seen as a key way of hitting these carbon reduction targets.

John Clough MBE, eaga plc Chief Executive, said: “We really can’t underestimate the threat to mankind from climate change, or the effort needed to combat it. By adopting clean energy wherever possible we can make a real contribution to the well-being of future generations.

“Renewable energy may still be in its infancy but it has huge potential. So raising awareness among our secondary school students and letting them see for themselves the potential for solar power as a reliable energy source seems an ideal step in the right direction.”

Mark Pearson, Energy and Process Innovation Manager at One North East, said: “The North East has set its sights on developing a carbon neutral region and industry and government are investing to both create economic growth and reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact.

“We also identified the need to work with communities and businesses across the board on how to be more energy efficient and reduce their energy costs. If we are to involve future generations in these major changes then we must engage young people, to introduce them to new forms of energy and show them how to conserve energy and protect their environment, and this partnership between eaga, NaREC and One North East is a great way of doing that.”

Keith Melton, Director of Technology and Innovation at NaREC, said
“By delivering an exciting, state of the art, hands on engineering demonstrator to schools, we can encourage more students to consider science and engineering as a career, plugging one of the skills gaps in the region”

Fitted correctly, solar thermal panels can convert enough heat from the sun to provide up to 60% of a typical household’s hot water needs. A four-square meter panel can cut C02 emissions by one tonne annually.

Steven Caseley, Managing Director of eaga’s renewable energy division, said: “Other countries in Europe have clearly embraced renewable energy. In Spain, for example, building regulations state that between 30% and 70% of domestic hot water need to be provided by solar thermal energy. We see this initiative in the North-East as an ideal opportunity to demonstrate in a fun and hands-on way how renewables can offer an economical and efficient alternative energy source.”

The North-East has been short-listed to host the Energy Technologies Institute, which will spearhead national research and development into cutting greenhouse emissions and tackling climate change. The bid has been tabled by a consortium of Newcastle, Northumbria and Durham Universities, NaREC and the CPI in the Tees Valley, with strong support from One North East and the regional Science and Industry Council.

ENDS

Media Contacts

Rik Kendall
Group Media Relations Manager
Eaga Group
07852 134 154
0191 245 8342

Leanne English
PR Specialist Advisor
One North East
0191 2296738