- The EnergyDRIVE project is an initiative launched in November 2016 by the Durban University of Technology.
- The project is aimed at raising awareness about climate change and renewable energy.
The custom-built EnergyDRIVE truck visited the West Coast where learners from Hopefield High and Weston High Schools had the opportunity to learn more about renewable power resources and climate change. Arriving from Cape Town, the interactive mobile vehicle will soon head up North, on the last leg of its three-week national educational road show, having spread the message of clean energy to young people across the country.
“We are very excited to be part of this national educational road show. It’s a great opportunity for our local community high school learners to acquire first-hand knowledge from the interactive demonstration models, which are designed specifically to increase the understanding of a range of renewable technologies,” said Veronique Isaacs, Regional Community Operations Manager for Umoya Energy Wind Farm.
Hopefield and Weston High Schools joined thousands of other young people, learning more about the potential for renewable power technologies in our rapidly changing world. Featuring a solar roof structure, biogas digester, photovoltaic panel display unit as well as a solar hot water display unit, the EnergyDRIVE teaches learners about the benefits and uses of renewable energy technologies. This is the second time that the customised vehicle has visited the West Coast area, having made its inaugural trip to this part of the Cape visiting the Atlantic Career Expo in November last year.
The mobile unit departed from Durban on 30th July, making its way through the Eastern and Western Cape before arriving at the West Coast on 14th August. From the West Coast, the truck will travel to the Northern Cape before circling back to KwaZulu Natal on 19th August, having spent time in host renewable energy communities along the way.
The EnergyDRIVE is a project that was launched in November 2016 by the Durban University of Technology. Its aim is to raise awareness about climate change and renewable energy. The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) partnered with the Durban University of Technology and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) make this national educational road trip possible.
About Umoya Energy : Umoya Energy is situated about 105 km north of Cape Town and has been operational since 2013. This 66 MW Wind Farm, comprises 37 wind turbines and is part of the Department of Energy’s first REIPPP Programme bid window. The wind farm generates enough electricity to power about 65 000 low-income homes, or 27 000 medium-income homes.
Source: TM Communications/ UMOYA ENERGY WIND FARM
