Renewable energy company Drax has renewed its partnership with the Glasgow Science Centre, continuing its hydropower education programme for another year.

In its first year, the programme engaged over 1400 primary and secondary school pupils, aiming to develop STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills and inspire careers in renewable energy.

Drax is providing a £60,000 grant to the Glasgow Science Centre to fund the initiative. The announcement coincides with the 60th anniversary of Drax’s Cruachan Power Station, Scotland’s largest pumped storage hydro plant, which was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1965.

Sarah Cameron, Community Manager for Scotland at Drax Group, said: “Last year’s programme was tremendously successful, engaging over 1,400 school pupils in activities both at the Glasgow Science Centre and within their school classrooms. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our iconic ‘Hollow Mountain’ Cruachan Power Station, I am thrilled that we can extend another £60,000 grant to the Glasgow Science Centre to continue this initiative.

“I am confident that this year’s programme will be equally popular. It represents an incredibly exciting opportunity for young people to enhance their STEM skills and gain insights into potential career paths in renewable energy.”

The programme for primary schools runs over four to six weeks through the Glasgow Science Centre’s ‘Learning Lab’. It uses case studies of Drax’s hydropower sites to teach students about different types of hydropower, such as pumped storage hydro and run-of-river plants. Classes either visit the Science Centre or receive a visit from its ‘On Tour’ team.

For secondary school students, the STEM Futures Work Readiness Workshops at the Glasgow Science Centre focus on career opportunities in Scottish hydropower and the skills required for those roles.

Dr Stuart Meiklejohn, Glasgow Science Centre’s STEM Futures Project Coordinator, said: “At Glasgow Science Centre we are delighted to continue and expand our partnership with Drax, delivering hydro-themed resources and workshops across Scotland.

“With this support we can help over 1,500 students learn about hydro power and its importance in their everyday lives, including inspiring the workforce of the future.”