EnergyDRIVE commences the final leg of its journey aCRoss sa’s Renewable Energy Landscape

Three weeks into its 2023 route, the EnergyDRIVE initiative continues to make its way across the country’s green energy map, leaving a lasting impact on young minds, fostering enthusiasm for renewable energy and inspiring the next generation.

The distinctive yellow bus set out from Cape Town, first heading north and eventually arriving in the Eastern Cape. Here, it was greeted with enthusiasm by hundreds of students. As it continued its journey through this area, it stopped at eight schools situated in remote communities all of them in close proximity to the province's abundant wind farms.

Reaching schools falling across quintile one to four, the mobility of this edu-tainer renders it ideal to reach communities in isolated areas. These communities are often located in areas that are not easily accessible and learners do not readily have access to opportunities and information about these technologies.

"Community development and education are at the heart of this initiative. The demonstrations, experiential learning, and tools for implementing energy-saving habits are all on the agenda this year. Our goal is to empower young minds with knowledge about climate change, energy efficiency, and sustainable living as well as to promote skills training courses in green energy," explained Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA).

Participating schools in the Eastern Cape are spread across Amathole, Sarah Baartman, Chris Hani Districts, and Nelson Mandela Bay. They include: Sipho Camagu High, Lonwabo High, Cookhouse High, Siyaphakama High, Molteno High, Joe Slovo Freedom High, Lungisa High and Cookhouse Secondary.

Now on its final leg, the bus will make its first stop in the Western Cape’s picturesque town of Ceres, for the last three days of this year’s trip, incorporating a further six schools, bringing the total to 21 schools and an estimated 2000 learners. 

Western Cape Schools include: Lingcinga Zethu High, Ceres Secondary, Bella Vista High, Acacia Primary, Laingsburg High, and finally Swartberg Secondary School in the Overberg region, as a final stop. Other districts included are: Witzenberg, and Central Karoo. 

Without a doubt, the highlight for the learners was the unforgettable experience of getting to visit a wind farm, in a number of communities along the route.

“It has been thrilling to see leaners experience the magnificence of turbines on their visits to wind farms that opened their doors to the next generation, providing a unique opportunity to learn and experience the power of renewable energy,” added Govender.

The EnergyDRIVE features a container with engaging interactive models that enhance the comprehension of various renewable technologies. These exhibits not only promote an awareness of renewable energy sources but also address pressing concerns related to climate change. With a solar roof structure, biogas digester, photovoltaic panel display, and a solar hot water unit, the EnergyDRIVE offers valuable insights into the advantages and applications of renewable energy.

By the end of this year's journey (2017-2023), the EnergyDRIVE will have reached over 7,000 learners in Grades 9 to 12, showcasing its significant impact in promoting renewable energy technologies in outlying communities close to wind farms and a few solar PV farms across the country.

The enduring partnership between SAWEA and key institutions, including Durban University of Technology, South African National Energy Development Institute, and the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority, has been further strengthened with the inclusion of the Green Youth Network. This partnership emphasizes the commitment to community development, education, and sustainability.

The EnergyDRIVE is made possible through the support of Independent Power Producers, particularly the wind farms, and even three solar projects, all of which eagerly invited the bus to their neighbouring host communities.  These IPP’s include: Aggeneys Solar, Dorper Wind Farm, Gibson Bay Wind Farms, Golden Valley Wind, Karusa Wind Farm, Khobab Wind Farm, Klipheuwel Wind Farm, Konkoonsies II Solar, Loeriesfontein Wind Farm, Noblesfontein Wind, Nojoli Wind Farm, Perdekraal East Wind Farm, and Soetwater Wind Farm.