Service technician Ralf Krause (Projekt GmbH) with a pupil wearing the personal safety gear. Source: Projekt GmbH
"Renewable energies are a firm feature of the Physics curriculum, and there's no better way of illustrating the subject in depth than visiting projects in the region", explains Ms. Rühling, who teaches Physics at Winckelmann grammar school. Projekt GmbH, the developer and shareholder of the 30-MW wind farm in Garlipp, which features 10 Vestas V112 wind turbines, and the Hausmann family as the operator of a 340-kW biogas plant in Garlipp, made the hands-on Physics and Chemistry lessons possible, and were on hand to explain details.
The project leader, Albrecht Beckmann, presented facts and figures about the wind turbines. Spanning a diameter of 112 metres and reaching a height of 94 metres, they harvest the wind on an area larger than a football field. With an annual value creation of € 500,000 for the 55 lessors of the cable run and the wind farm site, the wind farm also generates stable returns for many families in the region.
"Discussions about wind energy often tend to be very emotional and based on incomplete knowledge. That's why we're delighted about the high level of interest and the opportunity to put things straight in the course of exciting lessons" said Ubbo de Witt, Managing Director of the Oldenburg company.
Four classes from the grammar school took part. At several stations, they learned how the various electricity generating systems (wind power, biogas and photovoltaics) work, and about the technology behind them. Michael Voß, a Service Manager from the manufacturer Vestas, presented the wind turbines erected here, and also provided insights into project planning for a wind farm. His team gave the visitors a vivid impression of the day-to-day work of a service technician.
Two winners of a draw among the pupils enjoyed a special high point - literally. Accompanied by service technicians from Projekt GmbH, they were able to climb one of the 10 turbines with a hub height of 94 metres. Naturally, safety was of the essence here. Their reward for the ascent wearing the 12 kg of personal safety gear was a breathtaking view of the Altmark countryside.
This energy project day made many pupils realise that the average supply of 20,000 households with 70,000,000 kWh of locally produced energy not only generates eco-friendly electricity, but also jobs and an additional source of income for many property owners in Garlipp district and the wider region.
