ESB provides weather stations to Laois schools

Students in two Laois schools will get free weather stations as part of an ESB initiative. 

The ESBN Weather Watch Schools programme aims to teach secondary geography students about the impact of real-time weather on energy generation and consumption. 

Scoil Chriost Ri and Portlaoise College are taking part in the programme. Each school receives a free in-class weather station to enable students to track real-time weather conditions and learn how these affect electricity generation and consumption, as well access to educational materials on the subject.

According to the ESB, evaluation from the programme last year found the programme led to meaningful energy conversations at home. 

It found 73% of students showed improved awareness of energy use and understanding of the link between weather and renewable generation rose by 50%.  The programme found more than 75% could correctly identify peak demand times, up from 33% pre-Weather Watch and 48% reported discussing electricity use at home within the previous month. 

This year’s programme introduces new modules focusing on Ireland’s wind farms. Using OS(Ordnance Survey) maps and aerial imagery, students explore how physical geography influences site selection and evaluate the social and environmental benefits of wind energy.

Customer and Strategy Manager at ESB Networks, Lindsay Sharpe, said she was pleased the ESB Networks Weather Watch programme was expanding this year and to see the genuine enthusiasm from students and teachers in classrooms across the country. 

“Research from participating students and teachers show that students are not only increasing their understanding of the link between energy use and renewable generation, but they are actively engaging on it and starting powerful conversations about energy use in their wider everyday life with family and peers. This awareness shows how ESB Networks Weather Watch has developed from a classroom initiative into an important part of ESB Networks’ Networks for Net Zero strategy. We look forward to supporting this continued growth in everyday understanding of energy use and choices, so we can continue to shape a more sustainable future for all,” said Ms Sharpe. 

The initiative aims to encourage energy awareness conversations beyond the classroom, supporting ESB Networks’ ‘Is This a Good Time?’ campaign to promote smarter electricity use. 

“By linking theory to practice, students gain a clear understanding of how Ireland’s climate connects to its renewable future and can bring this back into their homes. Weather Watch also now plays a role in driving the cultural shift needed to achieve Ireland’s Networks for Net Zero ambitions. By making energy literacy part of everyday learning, the programme empowers students to bring sustainability thinking beyond the classroom, influencing attitudes and behaviours across Irish homes,” said Ms Sharpe.