A Tasmanian high school is in the running to win $US 100,000 after becoming the only Australian finalist in an international competition on renewable energy and sustainability innovation as reported by ABC News.
Hounville High is one of 14 schools from around the world competing for the Global High Schools Zayed Future Energy Prize. It aims to inspire future generations to be responsible, sustainable citizens.
18 students from Huonville designed a range of sustainable solutions for their school, including a windmill, bio-digester, pellet mill and a bicycle-powered mobile cinema.
Huon Energy Futures team coordinator Nel Smit said making the finals was an impressive feat given the criteria included innovation, impact and long-term vision. She said that it’s a huge thing for the team. A little school in country Tasmania has been awarded this international recognition for their initiatives in renewable energy and innovation.
Team member Zephyr Fox, 15, said she was confident the group would take out the cash prize and be able to implement their designs. Team leader Toby Thorpe, 14, said he enjoyed the challenge presented by renewable energy forms. He said that there are so many different options to sustainability and it’s everywhere.
If successful, the school will use some of the prize money to introduce an Energy training certificate course to Year 11 and 12 students at its trade Training Centre.
Smit said that the move would open up opportunities for careers in the renewables industry in a part of Tasmania that had traditionally relied on forestry and farming.
Last year’s prize was taken out by Cashmere High School in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Click here to read the story on ABC News
Featured Image Credit: ABC News
Solar Trust Centre Team
