Cork students lead charge in saving electricity

As part of the An Taisce Green Schools regional energy workshop, secondary school students in Cork have been learning about how to take action in saving electricity.

Among those to attend the workshop at the River Lee Hotel were students and teachers from Coláiste Éamann Rís and Scoil Mhuire College both in Cork city and Gaelcholaiste Chiarraí in Tralee.

In partnership with EirGrid, the workshop aimed to raise awareness in relation to energy conservation. The workshop also looked at how to effectively manage energy resources in schools and homes.

Community liaison officer with EirGrid Michelle Walsh spoke about EirGrid’s role in leading the secure transition towards low carbon renewable energy.

“It was fantastic to engage with students and teachers about energy in all its forms, and to outline how EirGrid is playing its part in climate action by working to decarbonise the electricity grid.”

“It’s clear from the response from students that younger generations are enthusiastic about leading the charge to make a positive impact in their communities.

“Events like these present an incredible opportunity, empowering young people to reduce energy consumption and be part of the conversation.”

The event also saw students and teachers engage in activities, artwork, and experiments, which allowed them to learn more about where electricity comes from and the steps to take regarding reducing energy consumption.

Those at the workshop also learned about the Celtic Interconnector Project, a milestone project which will enable the exchange of 700MW of electricity between Ireland and France.

To close out the workshop, the students made light bulbs and wrote energy pledges on them which they will aim to work on throughout the academic year.

Green Schools officially relaunched its energy theme for primary and secondary schools recently, thanks to its new partnership with EirGrid.

During the 2023/2024 school year, schools saved a combined 18mkw/h of electricity, enough to make 58m cups of tea, through participating in the Green Schools programme.

To date, over 3,000 schools have been awarded the energy flag since the beginning of the Green Schools programme in 1997.

Rob Nelson, Green Schools energy theme coordinator, said the workshops showcase that bright young minds can help secure our energy future.

“These energised, young change makers have learned how to lead the way in their schools, homes and communities,” he said.

“We are thankful that EirGrid’s sponsorship allows events like these to happen, to help engage and empower young people to reduce energy consumption and spark the conversation.”