Young engineers from around the country descended on masse on the Houses of Parliament last month to design, build and showcase winning examples of renewable energy wind turbines as part of National Science and Engineering Week.The Renewable Energy Challenge, which was organised by The Smallpeice Trust and the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB), was attended by 13- and 14-year-olds from six schools across the country.

Aimed at inspiring budding young engineers to think about sustainable engineering solutions, the challenge was designed to draw out attendees’ problem-solving, creativity, design and teamwork skills. Prompted by Engineering UK 2008’s recent findings that many potential engineers claim to be inspired by ‘a green agenda’, the ETB and Smallpeice Trust set about challenging students from Cardinal Newman RC School, Handsworth Grammar School, Mosslands School, North Leamington Community School and Arts College,and Turves Green Girls School and Community College to design, build and market a mini wind turbine for the creation of sustainable energy.

Students presented their completed wind turbines to judges from the ETB and The Smallpeice Trust, as well as to Adam Afriyie MP, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Universities and Skills and other assembled guests in the Houses of Parliament. The students then powered up and tested their completed turbines in the Terrace Pavilion.

The judges assessed the designs according to their potential power generation, aerodynamics, technical accuracy, unique selling points, and marketing methods.

Mosslands School from the Wirral was awarded the overall prize for its spectacular design and presentation, and received a Renewable Energy Challenge Trophy and £500 for the school.