Offaly schools to take part in ESB Weather Watch Programme to boost energy awareness

Three schools in Offaly are set to take part in this year's expanded Weather Watch Programme as ESB Networks aims to bring energy awareness education to more students across the county.

ESB Networks Weather Watch is an innovative educational initiative for Junior Cycle and Transition Year Geography students linking weather patterns to renewable energy generation in an engaging and educational way.

The schools taking part in the latest edition of the programme from Offaly include St Mary's Secondary School in Edenderry, Ardscoil Chiarain Naofa in Clara and Sacred Heart School in Tullamore.

Each school receives a free in-class weather station to enable students to track real-time weather conditions and learn how these affect electricity generation and consumption, as well access to educational materials on the subject.

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Last year's Weather Watch Programme demonstrated clear educational impact among participants as 73% of students showed improved awareness of energy use and 48% of students reported discussing electricity use at home.

Other benefits for students from last year's edition consisted of the understanding of the link between weather and renewable generation rising by 50% and more than 75% of students could correctly identify peak demand times.

This year’s programme will introduce new modules focusing on Ireland’s wind farms. Students will use OS maps and aerial imagery to explore how physical geography influences site selection and evaluate the social and environmental benefits of wind energy.

Lindsay Sharpe, Customer & Strategy Manager at ESB Networks said: "We are pleased to expand the ESB Networks Weather Watch Programme this year and to see the genuine enthusiasm from students and teachers in classrooms across the country."

Sharpe praised the impact of the initiative stating: "Research from participating students and teachers show that students are not only increasing their understanding of the link between energy use and renewable generation, but they are actively engaging on it and starting powerful conversations about energy use in their wider everyday life with family and peers."

The Customer & Strategy Manager concluded: "This awareness shows how ESB Networks Weather Watch has developed from a classroom initiative into an important part of ESB Networks’ Networks for Net Zero strategy. We look forward to supporting this continued growth in everyday understanding of energy use and choices, so we can continue to shape a more sustainable future for all."