FEATURES - Clarecastle Centre Hosts Renewable Energy Workshops

Tuesday, 10 August 2010 08:25

Written by Mike Fanning

The subject of Renewable Energy is a large and mainly untamed area. While we all are interested and frequently wish we knew more about it, the information given can often be too short, too technical or too sales-driven.

On the other hand, for those, who are really ready to go out and build their own devices simply needing a bit of support, this need was not catered for so far.

In response, the newly opened Renewable Energy Centre imecofarm now offers a comprehensive set of Introductory Courses, Renewable Energy Talks as well as Hands-on Workshops at its premises near Clarecastle on the townland of IslandMcGrath. The setting of the centre with its displays of step-by-step guides and full-scale working models of Wind, Solar and Water power is the perfect place for these courses.

“Our courses will be run in specially equipped rooms and workshops at imecofarm with plenty of expert tools, displays and detailed drawings” explained Eddie Connors, owner and Renewable Energy Expert at imecofarm.

The introductory 1 and ½ day courses run most Saturdays throughout the autumn. There are general overviews including a course that will answer the question ‘Wind, Water, Solar – which solution is right for me?’ as well as more in-depth days tackling one topic at a time.

The centre has a family-friendly offer running along-side these Introductory courses. One person attending a Saturday morning course can bring the whole family, who will be able to enjoy the eco crafts, forest and river trails and animals and play areas and relax at the cafe and shop. The offer runs at €25 for the course plus only €10 extra for the family admission to imecofarm.

For anyone wanting a first impression, looking for a dialogue or maybe even a ‘hot’ discussion, there will be an Eco Forum every last Thursday of the month. These Renewable Energy Talks will look at Wind Turbines in August, Rainwater Harvesting in September and Solar Thermal in October. imecofarm are currently looking for additional speakers on each of the topics to come forward. All speakers will be asked to be topical and factual and refrain from any sales activity at the Eco Forums. Eddie’s eyes light up when he talks abou the hands-on workshops: “Our aim is to give people solid information during our Introductory Courses, so that they can join into the ‘real fun’ of building your own Renewable Energy solution.”

The experienced technology teacher, who has previously run seminars on Renewable Energy at LIT continued to say: “Course participants of our hands-on workshops go away with a vast amount of experience and knowledge and an extensive set of course notes and information on where to study further. I am really excited to hear back from them afterward as they are building their own wind turbines or water pumps or similar and love helping their progress with sound advice along their renewable energy journey…where I can.”

The 3-day or 8-evening Eco Workshops allow participants to get real hands-on experience in building renewable energy solutions like Wind Turbines and Waterpumps.

At the ‘Build your own Wind Turbine’ workshop, a mix of practical experience backed by solid theoretical information will be offered. The hands-on part includes building of core windings, carving of blades and the steel frame construction.

The connection, operation and maintenance of the Wind Turbines will be discussed in detail. The turbines are constructed to withstand Irish climate and can produce enough energy to power a home, heat water or power on the farm.

Full courses brochures as well as details on each of the courses are available on www.imecofarm.com.