The South African Wind Energy Association will partner with the Durban University of Technology and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. They will embark on an educational road trip with the EnergyDRIVE.
SAWEA explained in a statement that the custom-built truck is designed to teach rural learners about the benefits and uses of renewable energy technologies. It will also engage with over 2,500 rural high school learners close to wind farms.
EnergyDRIVE initiative
The project was launched by Durban University of Technology and Energy and Water Seta in November 2016. This initiative aims to raise awareness of renewable power resources and climate change.
Participating partners and sponsors include the South Africa Wind Energy Project Phase 2 (SAWEP 2) funded by the Global Environment Facility and the Department of Energy, the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), the Renewable Energy Centre of Research and Development (RECORD) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) South Africa Country Office.
Features and benefits
The participating wind farms will each fund a portion of the road show as well as host field trips for participating learners.
Beyond Wind power, the EnergyDRIVE features a solar roof structure, biogas digester, solar photovoltaic (PV) panel display unit as well as a solar hot water display unit.
Most noteworthy, the walls of the container feature a battery bank, photovoltaic components, a TV and display cupboards. These make it an inspirational and experiential teaching aid.
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According to Brenda Martin, CEO of SAWEA, “The mobility of this custom-built vehicle makes it ideal to reach high schools situated within wind farm beneficiary communities. These communities are often in areas that are not easily accessible. Therefore, learners often do not have access to information about these technologies.”
“The container features attractive interactive demonstration models which assist with understanding a range of renewable technologies,” she further added.
National route
The mobile unit should depart Durban on 3 November and arrive in Cape Town on 13 November. This is after spending time in host communities along the way.
In Cape Town the exhibition of the vehicle will be at the WindAc Africa student workshop and at SARETEC. Most of all, it will create awareness about renewable energy resources. It will also demonstrate the use of renewable energy technologies and promoting skills development options in renewable power. This is before arriving at the WindAc conference at Cape Town’s CITCC, between 14 and 16 November.
“WindAc’s focus is on discussion and sharing of knowledge relating to Wind power between researchers and students. Similarly it will inspire students to build careers within the wind sector.
In conclusion, “this year’s EnergyDRIVE road trip aims to reach out to rural students. It will involve them in the potential for renewable power technologies in a rapidly changing world,” said Brenda.
