Children at Llangewydd Junior School in Bridgend have taken part in STEM based workshops on how green hydrogen can help decarbonise emissions and improve air quality.

One of the workshop highlights included getting a chance to build an interactive energy station; with pupils tasked with constructing H20 molecules from ‘Molymod’ (chemistry) kits to create a water station, ‘charging up’ a polycarbonate rod and using it to attract paper circles to create an electrostatic station; using a bike to generate energy for a hydrogen bike station and assembling mini-electrolysers and connecting to low-voltage power supplies to create an electrolysis station.

The theoretical and practical workshops align with the 2023/2024 Welsh Curriculum and have been delivered to more than 300 year 5 and 6 pupils, aged 10-11 across 8 Bridgend Primary Schools.

The workshops were delivered by former teachers together with the classroom teacher.  Representatives from Marubeni Europower, a leader in renewable energy that is currently developing plans for a green hydrogen production and refuelling facility in Bridgend, have also been supporting pupils to construct the energy stations.

Miss Fitz-Gerald, one of the teachers involved from Llangewydd Junior School, said:

“Llangewydd Junior School’s Year 6 would like to thank Marubeni, Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions, Oriel Science and ESRI for running the ‘Renewable Hydrogen Energy’ workshops. The children thoroughly enjoyed each learning opportunity and left with a greater understanding of how renewable energy can be sourced and further developed for the future.“

Tomoki Nishino, President & CEO of Marubeni Europower added:

“By interacting with the students, who asked many brilliant questions, this workshop really became a space to think together and understand the importance of sustainability and the role that hydrogen could play in it. It made the Marubeni team even more motivated to deliver our green hydrogen project and allow for cleaner air for those living in Bridgend, including these wonderful students.”