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At the Earthship house in Scotland, micro-electricity generators are used to provide all power needs. Each generator is powered by a renewable source of energy that doesn’t deplete materials from the environment. The solar generator uses the sun’s energy to generate 10% of the electricity needed. The wind turbine contributes 40% and the remaining 50% is generated by the hydro turbine. One drawback is that the power output is reduced when there is no sun or wind.

Students could be split into groups, and each group could select one of the renewable energy sources mentioned in the clip. Students could imagine they are setting up a new station or farm for their energy source and research possible locations nearby, taking into consideration different kinds of climate and weather. Students could go on to produce posters and presentations to try and persuade a fictional company or local homeowners in the area they have selected to convert to using their particular renewable energy source.

Alternatively, students could draw blueprints for a home which is powered by different kinds of renewable energy sources. What percentage of their overall power would they look for from each source and why?