NSW schools to trial innovative classrooms powered by renewable energy

1782
Image credit: arena.gov.au

Two New South Wales schools are trialing new modular classrooms as part of a project that could see children across Australia be taught in classrooms powered entirely by renewable energy.

Developed by Hivve Technology, the innovative “Hivve” modular classroom incorporates solar PV generation, real time energy metering, CO2 metering, data capture and communications to actively manage energy demands and control indoor environment quality.

The project is supported with 368,115 in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), on behalf of the Australian Government.

The two Hivve modular classrooms are being trialed at St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School in Holsworthy in Sydney’s south western suburbs and at Dapto High School in Dapto.

ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said the performance of the Hivve classrooms will be monitored and evaluated over a 12 month period.

“This is a great way to get the next generation involved in renewables at an early age and educate them as to what the positive benefits will be as Australia continues its shift towards a renewable energy future,” Mr Frischknecht said.

“The success of the Hivve project could lead to a nation-wide adoption of the modular classrooms, reducing reliance on the grid and even providing a significant amount of electricity back to the NEM.”

According to Hivve Director David Wrench, each Hivve classroom has the potential to generate enough electricity to power itself and two other classrooms in the school.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with ARENA on this exciting project,” he continued.

“We have carefully designed every element of the Hivve classroom to create the best possible learning environment for students.”

Image credit: arena.gov.au