Description

How can we design energy systems that power the future without costing the planet?

In Renewable Futures, students take on the challenge of powering a sustainable world. Working in teams, they design, build, and optimise miniature renewable energy systems that combine solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage. Through a token-based economy, students manage resources and make financial decisions while balancing cost, efficiency, and sustainability.

Using tools such as a heliodon and real-time sensors, students investigate how environmental conditions influence energy production. They collect and analyse data to improve system performance before applying their learning in a smart city challenge, where they develop renewable energy solutions for local or global contexts.

An optional second day extends the experience into sustainable housing. Students design and build model smart homes using recycled materials, electronics, and automation systems such as lighting, temperature controls, and motion sensors. Using data to test and refine their designs, teams evaluate environmental impact, cost-benefit trade-offs, and energy efficiency before pitching their solutions.

The program develops systems thinking, engineering design, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while exploring the future of clean energy and sustainable living.