ESB boosts Energy Awareness at four Cavan schools

Local children take Part in Weather Watch Programme

Four post-primary schools in Cavan are taking part in ESB Networks’ expanded Weather Watch Schools Programme this year, helping to bring energy awareness and renewable electricity education to more students across the county.

Loreto College Cavan, Saint Mogue’s College, St Clare’s College and Breifne College are among the schools participating in the innovative programme, which is designed for Junior Cycle and Transition Year Geography students.

Weather Watch links real-time weather patterns with renewable electricity generation, helping students understand how Ireland’s climate influences energy supply and demand.

Each participating school receives a free in-class weather station, allowing students to monitor local weather conditions and examine how wind, temperature and rainfall affect electricity generation and consumption. Schools also receive a suite of supporting educational resources.

Evaluation of last year’s programme demonstrated a strong educational and behavioural impact. Findings showed that 73% of students improved their awareness of energy use, while understanding of the connection between weather and renewable generation increased by 50%.

More than 75% of students could correctly identify peak electricity demand times, compared to just 33% before taking part, and almost half reported discussing electricity use at home with their families.

This year’s expanded programme introduces new learning modules focused on Ireland’s wind farms. Using OS maps and aerial imagery, students explore how physical geography influences wind farm locations and assess the social and environmental benefits of wind energy.

Lindsay Sharpe, Customer & Strategy Manager at ESB Networks, said the programme continues to grow beyond the classroom, supporting ESB Networks’ Networks for Net Zero strategy and its “Is This a Good Time?” campaign, by encouraging smarter energy choices at home and in everyday life.