Renewable Energy workshop 1- Victoria University
Our Horowhenua group thoroughly enjoyed the experience of learning about forms of renewable energy currently underway in NZ. PTC Trust in collaboration with Professor Alan Brent, Programme Director—Renewable Energy Systems Engineering organised these workshops to raise awareness amongst our youth of the growing need for more renewable sources of energy. Prof Brent feels that as the world’s energy demands increase, we can no longer ignore the rapid depletion of traditional energy sources and the negative impact fossil fuels have on the environment.
Students had a go understanding the technology around solar panels at PTC Renewable Energy workshops.
Finding renewable energy solutions is a complex issue that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Thoughts of future careers were introduced to the young people as they learnt of a range of subject options for future realities including robotic technology and its implications for the future.
Exciting developments in the field of renewable energy products are occurring as researchers at Berkeley Lab have been trying to develop more affordable battery membrane to store renewable energy.
News release on November 7th 2019, reveals that scientists have developed ‘new blueprint for affordable, sustainable ‘flow batteries’ at Berkeley Lab which could accelerate an electrical grid powered by the sun and wind’. Their aim: storing renewable energy more effectively and efficiently.
“Images from Berkerly Lab ‘(Illustration, left): AquaPIM membranes are made of a special class of polymers that become ionized at high pH, yielding pores that are highly conductive and highly selective. (Right) The material can be molded into a variety of shapes, such as a freestanding membrane. (Credit: Brett Helms/Berkeley Lab)’”