Nearly 3000 students from Pomerania in the educational project of Equinor and Polenergia

Nearly 3000 pupils from 11 primary schools took part in an educational project run by Equinor and Polenergia in the Słupsk region. The aim of the investors' campaign is to spread knowledge about offshore wind energy and the resulting benefits for the climate and the region among the youngest. Equinor and Polenergia jointly develop three wind farms in the Baltic Sea with a total capacity of up to 3,000 MW.

The recently concluded second edition of the educational project "One Sea, Many Benefits. Offshore wind energy in my region" was attended by almost 1500 students from five public primary schools in the municipalities of Ustka and Redzikowo (located in Września, Jezierzyce, Siemianice, Redzikowo and Objazd). 

In the first edition, which took place in November last year, the project was attended by a similar number of pupils from schools in Bierkowo, Włynkówek, Zaleskie, Charnów, Ustka and Łeba. Children and young people had the opportunity to learn what green energy is and how renewable sources can prevent adverse climate change, as well as strengthen Polish energy security.

– Over the 30 years of operation of offshore wind farms, the industry will need thousands of qualified workers. Offshore wind education addressed to the youngest generation, i.e. primary school students, gives them a chance to learn about this sector and choose the right path for further education. We invited schools from the area near our investments to participate in the project. We want students from Pomerania to see offshore wind energy as an opportunity for professional and personal development – says Jerzy Zań, President of the Management Board of Polenergia S.A.

_{Source: Equinor i Polenergia}

The educational project consisted of a series of interactive activities, adapted to the age groups of students. All this is to convey knowledge about renewable energy sources and their role in Poland's energy transition in an attractive and understandable way. The creative form of the classes, which consisted of, among others, building models of wind turbines from recycled materials, as well as quizzes and puzzles with prizes, was well received by the participants. Students of older grades also learned about new professions related to the renewable energy industry, which they could pursue in the future. They also learned about the expectations of the labor market and the desired qualifications.

– The young generation is increasingly aware of climate change and wants to contribute to stopping it. We believe that global change starts locally. That is why we are involved in activities in the regions where we invest. We are reaching out with information on how offshore wind energy can contribute to stopping unfavorable trends. Regular meetings with residents, participation in the life of these communities, but above all education of the youngest, are an excellent opportunity for direct conversations, in which we can point out the strengths of offshore wind energy and the benefits of green solutions – says Michał Jerzy Kołodziejczyk, President of the Management Board of Equinor in Poland.

_{Source: Equinor i Polenergia}

The new sector of the economy will create tens of thousands of attractive jobs, both in the construction and operation of offshore wind farms and those generated indirectly by suppliers of components and services. Three offshore wind farms in Bałtyk with a total capacity of up to 3,000 MW, developed by Equinor and Polenergia, will supply renewable energy to over 4 million households.

It is estimated that around 10,000 people will be employed throughout the cycle of these projects, some of them on the local labor market. Specialists will be needed in many fields: from the design of marine and hydrotechnical structures and project management, through environmental law, maritime law, and health and safety, to production and service employees.

Education is an area to which Equinor and Polenergia attach particular importance. Both companies are involved in numerous activities related to the education of future staff at all levels of education. Recently, investors have also supported the "Wind Energy – Energy of Freedom" project – an educational program for 900 primary and secondary school students of the Lębork, Słupsk, and Wejherowo districts, as well as once again took part in the EDU OFFSHORE WIND career fair in Gdańsk. 

Throughout the year, information and educational activities are also carried out at the Information Centre on Offshore Wind Farms in Łeba, the first stationary facility in Poland dedicated to offshore wind energy.

_{Source: Equinor i Polenergia}

Since the beginning of 2022, Polenergia, together with schools, has also been conducting climate education in over 80 facilities located at the company's projects. These are activities as part of "Play Green with Us!", an original program prepared in cooperation with the Kulczyk Foundation and UNEP/GRID-Warsaw. 

Equinor, in turn, supports the Łebski Sailing Club as part of the "Heroes of Tomorrow" Program, which is aimed at young people who want to develop and change the world in the field of science, culture, or sport.