Fraserburgh school pupils become floating offshore wind farm engineers

Around 40 pupils from Fraserburgh Academy spent two days learning how to design and plan their own renewable projects, guided by experts already working in the industry.

The course was delivered by 3DW and a team from Muir Mhòr Offshore Wind Farm, a pioneering project which is currently on track to be built off the Aberdeenshire coast.

Working in teams, the S3 pupils were given the chance to step into the shoes of renewable energy professionals tasked with getting a new project off the ground.

Each pupil was given a defined role in the project

Each pupil was given a defined role in the project, before designing the layout of their wind farms using 2D maps and bespoke 3D computer software.

They had to consider issues such as turbine size, power output, financial viability, and how to connect their projects to the National Grid.

Once the pupils had explored their designs using an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, they pitched their projects to their teachers and the Muir Mhòr team, competing for the best overall design.

As well as STEM learning, the course helped the young people develop important skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Around 40 pupils from Fraserburgh Academy spent two days learning how to design and plan their own renewable projects

The course was made possible by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) North East, which bridges the gap between industry and education.

The initiative is part of Muir Mhòr’s commitment to enhancing the skills of the Scottish offshore wind workforce at all levels, starting with pupils of school age.

One of the world’s first commercial scale floating offshore wind projects, Muir Mhòr is on track to be built off the Aberdeenshire coast, approximately 63km from Peterhead.

Once operational, the wind farm will be able to generate up to 1GW of clean power, enough to provide electricity for the equivalent of up to 1.2 million homes every year.

The S3 pupils were given the chance to step into the shoes of renewable energy professionals

Rachel O’Donnell, onshore consents managers for Muir Mhòr Offshore Wind Farm, said: “We had such a brilliant time at Fraserburgh Academy, and it was great to see how well the session was received by both pupils and staff.

“The young people were really engaged throughout, and we were impressed with the different, creative ideas they had for ensuring their wind farm projects were successful.

“The revolution in floating offshore wind is all about the future, and young people are passionate about being part of the national drive for clean energy and net zero.

“We want to ensure that the once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunity presented by offshore wind is realised, helping to create a thriving, innovative, and sustainable green economy for current and future generations.”

Edward Walton, depute head teacher and DYW lead at Fraserburgh Academy, added: “Muir Mhòr’s workshop was a huge boost to our developing renewables curriculum, and gave 40 S3 students a turbo-charged insight into the big picture planning and development stage of the new energy sector.

“As a school at the heart of offshore wind, we leapt at the opportunity and were not disappointed.

“Having industry professionals in the room all day enabled our young people to gain a deep insight into career pathways, as well as the application of curriculum skills into a potential future career.”

Abbie Semple, chemistry teacher and STEM lead at Fraserburgh Academy, said: “By connecting our learners with renewable energy through the Muir Mhòr Wind Farm days, we sparked their interest in future green careers and expanded their understanding of the wide range of opportunities within the sector.

“At the same time, the event aligned with our renewables curriculum goals, ensuring sustainability, through real world context, is being integrated into what our learners are getting taught.”

Aimee Maitland, interim director of DYW North East, said: “The Muir Mhòr team’s activities with local secondary school pupils are key to helping our young people understand the skills and job roles associated with the floating offshore wind industry.

“Participating in immersive, hands-on activities led by industry professionals is an extremely effective means of raising pupils’ awareness of green careers and clean energy.

“It is very encouraging to see these partnership projects taking place in our local academies.”

As well as the partnership with Fraserburgh Academy, the Muir Mhòr team is also working with Mintlaw Academy to provide practical activities for students enrolled in the Girls in Energy course. This initiative aims to offer young women real-world exposure to the energy industry.

If its consent applications are approved by the Scottish Government and Aberdeenshire Council, Muir Mhòr could start generating clean and renewable power in the early 2030s.

Muir Mhòr is a 50/50 joint venture between Fred. Olsen Seawind and Vattenfall, both having an established track record in Scotland. Working together, both companies are committed to securing Scotland’s energy future and green economy.