Experts join forces to explore teaching of clean energy in schools across Europe

Clean Energy Classrooms event

On 4 February, Manchester Metropolitan's Fuel Cell Innovation Centre and pan-European project HySchools, ran an event with the aim of fostering discussions about the clean energy skills gap and inform the University’s approach to green energy.

‘Clean Energy Classrooms: Educating for the Climate Crisis’ brought together over 50 educators, policy makers and those working in industry to explore the current skills gaps and how clean energy education can be better incorporated into classrooms.

The event also celebrated the culmination of HySchools, an Erasmus+ project that saw universities across Europe come together to develop resources to help teachers deliver clean energy education in their schools.

Attendees of Clean Energy Classrooms heard from keynote speakers Professor Helen Laville (Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Education, Manchester Metropolitan University), Gina Dowding (City and County Councillor for Lancaster), Nichola Wallworth (STEM and HS2 Project Manager, Greater Manchester Combined Authority) and Amer Gaffar (Director, Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre).

They also heard from a panel of representatives from educational organisations from across Europe who offered insights on initiatives taking place across the continent, before taking part in discussions that covered subjects such as teaching, barriers to clean energy adoption, and fostering cooperation between businesses and education.

Contributions from attendees will form a report that will be released over the coming month and will inform Manchester Metropolitan University’s approach to clean energy skills and training the talent of tomorrow.