Member Article

Energy experts educate next generation

A Sunderland based customer service centre has teamed with a local school to educate the next generation about sustainable energy and climate change.

Students from Castle View Enterprise Academy visited EDF Energy, Doxford International Business Park, to listen to energy experts deliver sessions on sustainability and reducing CO2 emissions from energy production

The group of 16 students, aged between 14 and 15, received presentations from EDF Energy staff on sustainability and the global drivers behind it. Students also discussed the company strategy to meet emission reduction targets, as well as learning about renewable energy and taking part in interactive quizzes.

EDF Energy has pledged to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its power stations to play its part in helping the UK to meet its target of an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050, set by the Government as part of a global effort to tackle climate change.

Emma Shearer, community investment specialist at EDF Energy said: “Our aim is to focus on the bigger picture of such an important issue and teach the local community the responsibility we have taken in reducing carbon emissions.

“We want to educate students about sustainable energy and prepare the next generation with knowledge about the industry and the changes we have to make to protect and maintain energy supplies and the environment.

The company supplies gas and electricity to six million business and residential customer accounts and is the biggest supplier of low carbon electricity by volume in Great Britain.

Andy Tomkins, sustainable business partner for EDF Energy, said: “As a country we face a significant challenge to maintain energy supply‚ tackle climate change and maintain affordable energy prices. We believe the answer lies in greater energy efficiency and the generation of electricity from a diverse range of sources including low carbon and renewables.

“Having local schools involved with EDF Energy is fantastic. We hope that we can help inspire the next generation to be more sustainable and energy aware.”

EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest energy companies and the largest producer of low-carbon electricity, producing around one-fifth of the nation’s electricity from its nuclear power stations, wind farms, coal and gas power stations and combined heat and power plants.

At EDF Energy’s Hartlepool nuclear power station, the nearest to Sunderland, the station’s two reactors generate enough low carbon electricity to power around two million homes. This saved around four million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in 2014 - the equivalent of taking two million cars off the road.

Emma McDermott, assistant vice principal at Castle View Enterprise Academy said: “It is fantastic that EDF Energy is interested in educating the next generation about energy and supporting the curriculum with interactive and practical workshops.

“The students all really enjoyed the session and learnt a lot about energy and the issues surrounding where it comes from.”

If you would like any more information or would like to arrange a visit to EDF Energy please contact Emma Shearer emma.shearer@edfenergy.com

Hartlepool power station’s popular visitor centre also offers an insight into electricity production and gives visitors a chance to look around a power station. To book a trip contact: 01429 853582.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by EDF Energy .