MaidSafe Foundation backed by Statkraft STEM grant. MaidSafe Foundation is pleased to announce it has secured £9,740 in funding from Statkraft to launch the MaidSafe Foundation Statkraft Community S.T.E.M Centre and Outreach Project, focused on renewable energy and sustainability education. The project is one of the first to benefit from Statkraft’s Drongan & Ochiltree Greener Grid Park Community Fund.

This significant investment will enable the foundation to deliver comprehensive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programming centred on renewable energy technologies and sustainable practices.

The funding will support a range of educational initiatives designed to inspire young people and community members to explore careers in renewable energy whilst developing practical understanding of sustainability principles. Participants will engage with cutting-edge renewable energy technologies through hands-on learning experiences, interactive workshops, and real-world problem-solving activities.

The programme will include:

• Weekly STEM Clubs: Regular sessions exploring renewable energy concepts, from solar and wind power to energy storage and grid technologies
• Community Activities: Outreach programmes bringing sustainability education to local schools and community groups
• Holiday Workshops: Intensive learning experiences during school breaks, featuring practical renewable energy projects and sustainability challenges
• Two sessional workers: to help run workshops and activities whilst gaining new skill and personal development.

MaidSafe Foundation Statkraft Community S.T.E.M Centre and Outreach Project aligns with both organisations’ commitment to advancing renewable energy adoption and building community capacity in sustainable technologies.

Heather Robertson, MaidSafe Foundation’s Funding Community Engagement Officer, said: “”We are delighted to partner with Statkraft in this vital educational initiative. This funding allows us to address the growing need for renewable energy skills and knowledge within our community, whilst inspiring the next generation of sustainability champions. The programme will provide participants with both theoretical understanding and practical experience of the technologies that will power our sustainable future.”

Alison Hood, Statkraft’s Head of Engagement and Social Value, said: “Projects such as our Greener Grid Parks help achieve a renewables-ready network. But they deliver a wider benefit for locals too. That’s why we established these funds, to ensure that communities benefit from having a Statkraft project in their local area, as part of our commitment to being a good neighbour. MaidSafe Foundation’s initiative will be a vital way to promote careers in renewable energy to the next generation, and I’m looking forward to seeing how their work develops.”

About MaidSafe Foundation, MaidSafe Foundation is dedicated to advancing STEM education and digital literacy within local communities, creating opportunities for learning and innovation across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.

About Statkraft UK  

Statkraft is at the heart of the UK’s energy transition. Since 2006, Statkraft has gone from strength to strength in the UK, building experience across wind, solar, hydro, storage, grid stability, EV charging, green hydrogen and a thriving markets business.

We’ve invested over £1.8 billion in the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure and facilitated over 4.5 GW of new-build renewable energy generation through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). 

For more information on the Coylton Greener Grid Park, visit https://www.statkraft.co.uk/coylton