Every early-stage primary school pupil in Orkney is to have the opportunity to access renewable energy educational materials following a donation of children’s adventure books on offshore renewable energy by Fred. Olsen-related companies.
The book, Gaia’s Energy Adventure!, communicates the often complex subject of offshore wind, wave and tidal energy to 4-6 year olds, as well as encouraging girls and those from underrepresented groups to consider a career in engineering. The books have been gifted to each of Orkney’s 17 primary schools, allowing all primary children on the islands to learn about STEM subjects at an early stage.
The book was published as part of a 2021 project by Supergen ORE Hub, an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council funded project based at the University of Plymouth that connects UK universities involved in offshore renewable energy research.
Fred Olsen, Chairman of Bonheur ASA, presented the books to Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of Orkney Island Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee whilst on a visit to the islands last week (Friday 23 September).
The Fred. Olsen-related companies have a long-standing history of investment and innovation in Orkney-based marine renewable energy, with Fred Olsen, Chairman of Bonheur ASA, receiving an Honorary Doctorate at the Heriot-Watt Orkney Campus in 1985. During the visit to the islands, Mr Olsen also marked the official opening of the Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC) alongside Orkney Islands Council and HIE.
Fred. Olsen-related companies are passionate about supporting STEM learning and development at all stages in the educational journey. These books, published by the Supergen ORE Hub, are a fantastic way of engaging the next generation in these subjects from an early age. With Orkney already leading the way in clean energy research, innovation and development, we are delighted to support budding talent and future industry leaders by making this donation.
What a tremendous, generous gift for the youngest people in our community. Renewable energy is part of the fabric of life here in Orkney but we can all continue to learn as we go. As we play our role in the world’s fight against climate change, it’s important that we provide engaging educational opportunities for children on these issues. These beautiful books will certainly help with that.
We are thrilled that Fred. Olsen-related companies have donated copies of Gaia’s Energy Adventure! to primary schools in Orkney. I hope the book inspires the engineers of the future to learn about the engineering and environmental aspects of offshore renewable energy, and how these technologies can play a vital role in ensuring a clean and sustainable energy mix for the future.
This news release was Originally published by Fred. Olsen-related companies.
- For media inquiries, contact Clare Slipper: clare@messagematters.co.uk / 07908781331
- Pictures can be accessed here, and show Chairman of Bonheur ASA Fred Olsen gifting the books to Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chairman of Orkney Islands Council Education, Leisure and Housing Committee.
- Further information on the educational book, Gaia’s Energy Adventure, can be found here: https://supergen-ore.net/news-and-events/childrens-book
About Fred. Olsen-related companies
The Fred. Olsen-related companies build on a heritage of over 170 years of shipping and marine experience, commencing with the origin of the Fred. Olsen-related ship owning enterprise in 1848.
Subsequent growth and diversification sees the organisation consisting of public companies, based in Norway, and Fred. Olsen Ltd. based here in the UK with a solid base and diversified portfolio. This covers for example the activities of Natural Power, an independent consultant and service provider, and ZX Lidars, a leading Wind measurement system, as well as forest management and travel interests.
Fred. Olsen-related companies cover mostly renewable energy related activities such as wind farm development and operation, offshore wind installation and service, but also media and cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
About The Supergen ORE Hub
The Hub is a £9 Million Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded project. Led by Prof. Deborah Greaves OBE, Professor of Ocean Engineering at the University of Plymouth, the Hub is a consortium of Universities researching Offshore Renewable Energy which also includes University of Aberdeen, University of Edinburgh, University of Exeter, University of Hull, University of Manchester, University of Oxford, University of Southampton, University of Strathclyde and University of Warwick.
The Supergen ORE Hub is one of several Hubs created by EPSRC to deliver sustained and coordinated research on Sustainable PowER GENeration and supply.
The Supergen ORE Hub brings together and builds on the work of the former Wind and Marine Supergen Hubs following consultation with the research community. The new hub looks for synergies between wind, wave and tidal technologies as well as building on current research in each area. Find out more at www.supergen-ore.net.
