Ahead of World Ocean Day on 8 June, students on Anglesey are getting a glimpse of life under the sea thanks to new immersive virtual reality technology provided by tidal energy scheme Menter Môn Morlais.
As part of a school outreach programme, children are transported into the world of renewable energy, where they can explore tidal power and get an insight into the life of marine mammals.
Fiona Parry is skills and training project officer with Menter Môn Morlais.
She leads on school visits and works with pupils to show them how Morlais can reduce carbon through generating clean electricity.
As well as learning about how tidal energy can tackle climate change, pupils also take part in activities, like building their own turbine, to develop their understanding about sustainability and science.
Parry said: “Our school visits are such an important part of our work at Morlais.
“It gives us a chance to take our story out to local children and young people.
“We talk about how we will be generating electricity but also, I hope we can inspire them to think about careers in this growing sector.”
With a practical focus on sustainable energy, the visits are part of a commitment to supporting local communities and developing environmental awareness.
They provide pupils with insights into the realities of climate change and the role renewable energy can play in reducing carbon emissions.
Managed by Menter Môn Morlais, the Ynys Môn tidal scheme is the largest consented tidal energy site in Europe.
The Morlais Substation near Ynys Lawd (South Stack) on Ynys Cybi (Holy Island) was completed in December 2023, and the first turbines are expected to be deployed in the sea in 2026.
The project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and also secured funding for consent and development from the NDA – Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
It has also been supported by the Isle of Anglesey County Council and Ambition North Wales.