• “Wind Experts” is an educational programme designed to raise awareness among younger generations about climate change and to demonstrate the role renewable energy plays in mitigating its impacts.
• This third edition of “Wind Experts” took place in Viana do Castelo, in collaboration with the City Council and five local primary schools.
Viana do Castelo, 7 July — Ocean Winds (a 50/50 joint venture between EDP Renováveis and ENGIE), the main shareholder of the floating offshore wind farm WindFloat Atlantic located in Viana do Castelo, has successfully concluded the third edition of its “Wind Experts” educational programme. The closing ceremony was lively and well attended, culminating in a final celebration with the presentation of awards to the winning school and student group.
Following two previously successful editions, this year the programme brought together more than 150 students from five schools in the Viana do Castelo region.
The aim of “Wind Experts” is to raise awareness among younger generations about the global challenge of climate change and the benefits and potential of renewable energy — particularly offshore wind — in addressing it. As part of the programme, students attended several educational modules (videos) focused on climate change awareness and effective solutions to mitigate its impacts.
The next phase involved a competition among the students, whose main challenge was to build a model wind turbine using recycled materials, inspired by the WindFloat Atlantic floating offshore wind farm. This competition promoted teamwork, encouraged creativity, and fostered innovative thinking, ultimately leading to the selection of an overall winning team.
The closing event and awards ceremony, held at the auditorium of the Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo School of Health, was attended by the Ocean Winds team, participating students and teachers, and representatives from the Municipality of Viana do Castelo, including the CMIA (Environmental Monitoring and Interpretation Centre).
The winning team was selected by the Ocean Winds selection committee, which assessed each project based on design, functionality, creativity, and message. The prize was awarded to a group of four students from Escola Básica 2,3 Dr. Pedro Barbosa. The winning school received a €3,000 voucher in recognition of its involvement, and each member of the winning team was awarded an iPad.
In addition, all students received a certificate of participation, recognising their engagement and commitment to this challenging and creativity-inspiring initiative.
The “Wind Experts” initiative reflects Ocean Winds’ commitment to investing in society and the local communities where it operates, with a particular focus on sharing knowledge and promoting learning among younger generations. With the support of the Viana do Castelo City Council, several social initiatives are currently underway in the region.
