Introduction

Estimated reading time: 3min

In 2022, the Brunel Foundation together with Taylor Hopkinson, partnered with OffshoreWind4Kids, a Belgium-based non-profit organisation dedicated to engaging and educating children about renewable energy through hands-on experiences with wind turbines. We sat down with its founder, William Beuckelaers, to discuss the vision behind the initiative and why partnerships like the one with Brunel are vital for sustaining its mission. 

The Need for a Diverse Talent Development in Renewables

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) 2023 review, the transition to clean energy is expected to generate 10.3 million net new jobs globally by 2030. To ensure a robust talent pipeline and raise awareness about renewable energy industries, it's crucial to attract future workers from an early age. William emphasises the importance of introducing children to various aspects of the field between the ages of 8 and 15, noting that the workshops they conduct both spark curiosity in younger children and help older children making informed decisions about their future studies.  

 

While OffshoreWind4Kids aims to inspire both girls and boys, the focus is especially on encouraging girls to consider careers in technology and renewable energy. That's why they chose a logo featuring a girl wearing a hard hat. William explains, "In Belgium, only 17 percent of engineering graduates are women. If the proportion of female engineering students is so low, it’s hard to expect significant diversity later on in engineering firms.”


The concept for OffshoreWind4Kids came to William after receiving a miniature wind turbine as a background for his virtual meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic for his 29th birthday. As he began tinkering with it, he had the idea to build Belgium's first floating wind turbine, even though Belgium typically doesn't create floating wind structures due to its relatively shallow waters. He designed a semi-submersible foundation, a spar buoy, and set it up on the beach. Though it was a cold February day, it was also sunny, attracting a crowd of curious onlookers who were intrigued by what he was doing. Many people asked questions about his project and whether he also made wind turbines for kids. This enthusiastic response gave him the idea for OffshoreWind4Kids. 

 

To fully immerse themselves in the roles of offshore wind specialists, the children also get to try on specialised Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed for the unique challenges of working in offshore environments. 

Inspiring Kids with Hands-On Activities

Since its launch in April 2021, OffshoreWind4Kids has expanded to more than 20 countries and aims to engage and inspire 10,000 children through various events in 2024 alone. The organisation runs a variety of activities, including public demo days, where families can bring their children to the beach to build their own wind turbines. They can experiment with different types of structures for installation, giving them a hands-on experience with concepts typically reserved for university-level engineering courses. This interactive approach makes it easy for even younger children to grasp complex engineering principles.

 

In addition, OffshoreWind4Kids also runs the Floating Wind Challenge, a global competition which encourages young engineers to design and build their own floating wind support structures. During the 2024 edition, participants will have the opportunity to create the optimal support structure for a Vevor 400W turbine, allowing them to put their engineering skills to the test in a fun and educational setting.

 

The demo days held on public beaches provide a wonderful opportunity for Brunel employees to engage with participants by assisting them in building wind turbines.

Empowering Future Generations: Partnership with the Brunel Foundation 

William emphasises that none of this would be possible without the enthusiastic community of volunteers, families, and partner companies that support this non-profit initiative. Among these partners are the Brunel Foundation and Taylor Hopkinson | Powered by Brunel. The partnership between OffshoreWind4Kids and Brunel aligns with their shared values and goals, including promoting renewable energy education, building a skilled workforce, and engaging with local communities. The founders of the Brunel Foundation, Femke and Martiska, state, " Together, we wish to give all children the opportunity to discover their talent and interests. We spark curiosity for future industries and create awareness for the environment in general”. Since joining the advisory board of OffshoreWind4Kids at the beginning of the partnership, they have been enthusiastic about supporting William in his mission to inspire many children through workshops. Additionally, they are committed to aiding OffshoreWind4Kids' organisational growth by providing knowledge and expertise in various areas. 

In the first year of the partnership, OffshoreWind4Kids, with the foundation’s support, organised events in the United States, the Netherlands, and United Kingdom. In the second year, the team travelled to Asia, visiting Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. Since the beginning of the partnership, they have reached over 2,000 children. 

In 2024, OffshoreWind4Kids plans to focus on activities in the Netherlands, primarily through its indoor "Wind4Kids" programme designed for schools. The organisation will also provide materials, building kits, and train-the-trainer sessions to Brunel offices worldwide, enabling Brunel employees to host their own events. William shares, "Our partnership with Brunel is invaluable, and we're thrilled that it's now in its third year. This ongoing collaboration provides us with stability and a reliable source of funding. Although our programmes have grown in recent years, there's always some uncertainty due to the seasonal nature of our events. With Brunel's support, we can better plan and maintain a consistent level of activity."

William, pictured in the background, travels to various locations around the globe to inspire the next generation with his passion for the industry.

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