Groggan pupils powered up by wind energy visit

The primary five class of Groggan Primary School were recently given an education tour by Northern Ireland wind energy company, Simple Power, to learn first-hand about the power of wind turbines and wind energy in action in their local area. Trevor Clarke MLA also joined the pupils for their trip.

Eighteen pupils visited the wind turbine on Moneynick Road, along with their teacher Mr Robinson and local MLA, Trevor Clarke. The visit was co-ordinated by Simple Power to allow the children to learn first-hand about the power of wind energy in action in their local area.

As part of the tour, Groggan Primary School primary five pupils were shown the single 250kW wind turbine by Simple Power’s Planning Manager, Stuart Clarke and Planning Technician, Colin Power. The Simple Power team outlined the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources and explained how wind and other natural resources are being utilised to power homes throughout Northern Ireland.

Mrs Humphrey, Principal of Groggan Primary School commented: “As an eco-friendly school, we strive to educate our pupils on the importance of being environmentally responsible. Having a tour of the turbine was a great opportunity for the pupils to see renewable energy in action and learn how it can help reduce our carbon footprint. The pupils were fascinated by the wind turbine and seeing it up close, it made a real impression on everyone and really brought the pupils’ learning to life.”

Philip Rainey, Chief Executive of Simple Power said: “We were delighted to welcome the pupils from Groggan Primary School at our turbine in Moneynick. We feel it is important to show young people in a practical way how renewable energy is helping to reduce Northern Ireland’s carbon emissions.”

Simple Power enables farmers and their families to contribute to renewable energy generation while also turning their land into a sustainable and reliable source of income.

Simple Power actively supports the farming community in Northern Ireland including key partnerships with Rural Support, a local charity committed to helping farming and rural communities across Northern Ireland. The company fully finances each wind turbine project from the outset with landowners receiving a fixed annual income. Simple Power’s expert team manages the entire process, from site assessment and planning through to construction and grid connection, at no cost to the landowner.