This spring, primary schools on the islands of Western Estonia came alive with excitement during a series of hands-on workshops about renewable energy. For over 90 minutes, students got a unique chance to explore how electricity can be generated using wind, solar, and hydrogen power – all through fun, interactive experiments.
The workshops were a collaborative effort between TalTech Kuressaare College and the Saaremaa Energy Agency, supported generously by Europe Direct.
The sessions began with an engaging introduction and lively discussion about why renewable energy matters. Students learned about Estonia’s current energy production, how electricity prices impact daily life, and why moving towards renewable sources is crucial to protect the environment and boost the country’s energy security.
Then came the hands-on fun. In small groups, the children used special Horizon Educational kits to experiment with creating energy from wind turbines, solar panels, and hydrogen fuel. These kits turned complex physics concepts into exciting real-world experiences, making the science behind renewable energy easy to understand.
Omar Randal, a lecturer at TalTech Kuressaare College and the workshop leader, shared his thoughts:
“Whether we like it or not, Estonia must find new ways to increase its energy production. Expanding renewable energy is the best path forward — it helps protect our environment and ensures a good quality of life. Our children will be the decision-makers of the future. They’ll need to choose smart energy solutions and consider many factors. That’s why it’s so important to nurture their awareness about energy from a young age.” Schools warmly received the workshops, clearly showing the strong demand for practical, hands-on learning about renewable energy. The Saaremaa Energy Agency hopes to organize even more workshops like these, making energy education fun and accessible for all students.
