GreenVET pathway

Digital Simulations for Renewable Energy

Using digital simulations to explore renewable energy concepts, students engage in interactive, hands-on learning that deepens their understanding of how technologies like solar, wind, and hydro systems work in real-world scenarios.

Key People and Partners Involved

Students
Teachers
Simulation providers / technical partners

Description of the practice

The school integrates digital simulations into its curriculum to bring renewable energy concepts to life. These tools allow students to explore how solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric systems, and energy grids work—without needing access to expensive physical equipment.

By interacting with simulations, students can model real-world energy scenarios, adjust variables like weather or energy demand, and immediately see the outcomes. This hands-on, visual approach helps them grasp complex systems more effectively while connecting theory to practice in an engaging way.

Beyond boosting understanding, this method fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and curiosity. Students are encouraged to experiment, ask “what if” questions, and explore the environmental and technical trade-offs of different energy sources—all of which deepen their awareness of sustainability and prepare them for green careers.

Where it’s being implemented

This link might not lead to content in English language. Use your browser's translate function or automatic captions to explore this resource.

Implemented at ISISS Marco Polo – Carlo Cattaneo, this method has proven effective in teaching complex concepts.
https://www.polocattaneo.edu.it/scheda-didattica/uda-orientative-interdisciplinari/
In Leipzig, the Energy Atlas—developed through the SPARCS and CUT projects in close cooperation with city departments—provides a solid planning foundation for the sustainable expansion of renewable energy. By collecting, verifying, and visualizing data, it enables “what-if” scenarios that support strategic decision-making to help meet the city’s climate goals.
https://sparcs-leipzig.info/energie-atlas-leipzig-daten-erneuerbarer-energien-zusammenfuehren-visualisieren-und-gemeinsam-nutzen/

Impact and Results

Increased student engagement in renewable energy topics
Improved understanding of complex energy systems
Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Enhanced collaboration among students
Integration of technology into traditional teaching methods

Implementation Tips and Insights

Start with a real-world challenge (e.g., “Can we power a school with solar?”) to spark curiosity.
Let students experiment by changing inputs like sunlight hours, wind speed, or battery size.
Integrate simple data recording sheets or digital logs for students to track results.
Link the simulation to your local context or school energy use.
Host a "renewable energy pitch" where students present their most efficient simulated setup.

Useful Links and Resources

This link might not lead to content in English language. Use your browser's translate function or automatic captions to explore this resource. Renewables.ninja is a free online platform that simulates hourly solar and wind power generation anywhere in the world using real weather and energy data. In a school context, it can be used to explore how location, season, and system design affect renewable energy output"ideal for geography, science, or sustainability lessons.
https://www.renewables.ninja/