Renewable Energy Festival at the Castle Climbing Centre

One sunny weekend in May (2019), PPL PWR organised a Renewable Energy Festival at the Castle Climbing Centre in London. This family friendly event, open to all, was a wonderful opportunity to show the path to an eco-friendly and more sustainable world.

On Saturday, PPL PWR members showed a wide range of demos in different stands, such as: mini and large wind turbines, thermo electric hand generators, air pollution sensors, and some tabletop electronics (tiny solar panels). We served tea in the garden using solar energy to heat the water through solar-thermal tubes. While the demos were much appreciated, the tea was a tremendous success, notably with kids.

The public had also the joy to discover a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) - specifically the Toyota Mirai - brought by UCell (the Electrochemical Energy Outreach Group of University College London) who kindly lent the car for the event.

The day ended with a panel who tackled a wide range of topic, notably: how to bring about change; climate anxiety; the importance of collaboration; and the different steps we can take personally to reduce our carbon footprint. The panel was composed of subject matter experts: Josh Bailey (hydrogen and electric cars), James Molkenthin (solar energy), Adam Russel Cane (wind energy and high altitude potential), Joanna-May (work life stress and meditation), Zahra Rana (chemical engineer), and Louis Rutherford (Living Wall specialist).

The festival ended on Sunday with a “Make your own solar chargers workshop” lead by James Molkenthin. Ten participants spent the afternoon, in a relaxed atmosphere, creating their own solar chargers. The success was such that PPL PWR found new recruits among the participants.

The weekend was lively and enriching, for PPL PWR members and attendees alike.