Q. Who are you and what do you do?
A. My name is Lee Rollason and I’m Head of Site at Ørsted’s King’s Wharf Operations Hub.
I oversee all operations of our offshore wind farm projects off the Merseyside coast – Burbo Bank and Burbo Bank Extension, which consist of a total of 57 turbines and are capable of powering around 310,000 UK homes.
Ørsted are very proud to have been operating in the North West for more than 10 years and it’s our aim to create a lasting positive impact.
Q. What made the team at Ørsted want to get involved in the project?
A. It’s clear that we need projects with real purpose that can provide inspiration and hope. We owe it to ourselves and our future generations.
It’s those future generations that we are focussed on through our collaborative partnership with Eureka! in developing a world-class science and discovery centre in Wirral.
By making STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) subjects exciting and accessible, we hope to boost aspiration in science-based careers, such as offshore wind – inspiring a new generation of young scientists, engineers, and technicians.
Renewable energy will be at the heart of the global fight against climate change. Clean energy technologies like offshore wind, renewable hydrogen and solar power will play a key role in a shift to a clean energy and help meet the UK’s “net-zero” targets.
Offshore wind has already become a key figure on the Wirral’s waterfront and the region has established a well-deserved reputation as a centre of excellence for clean energy. With more and more young people aware of climate change, it’s important to give them an insight into the world of renewables and potential career the opportunities on their own doorstep. The partnership with Eureka! Science + Discovery will help to give a deeper understanding, but in a fun and interactive way.
Q. What has been Ørsted’s involvement in the project so far?
A. Ørsted are really proud to have developed an interactive Turbine Technicians exhibit at the attraction. This immersive exhibit focuses on sustainability through the use of wind power and tells the story of how skilled technicians ensure that our offshore wind turbines keep working well.
Collaboration will be a key factor in tackling climate change, and we carried this theme into the project with Eureka! Science + Discovery. Over the past two years, we have worked closely with the Eureka! team and pupils from The Mosslands School, Wallasey to co-create wind-energy themed content and to ensure the highest impact among the target audience (6 to 14-year-olds).
Q. Tell us about your exhibit at Eureka! Science + Discovery?
A. The exhibit is an immersive and interactive experience that will focus on how technicians repair turbines, involving choosing the right person and right equipment for the task.
‘On-shore’ children will be challenged to detect and diagnose faults using a diagram of the turbines and then to choose the equipment needed for the job, whilst keeping a check on the weather conditions. Through a digital AV experience, they will journey across to the turbine and engage with mechanical challenges to fix the diagnosed issues. Their reward for a job well done will be a beautiful view out to sea to catch the sunset.
We’re delighted to be giving back to local children – we really hope that it will inspire the future generation of renewable energy employees.
Eureka! Science + Discovery is now open. Book your tickets at eurekadiscovery.org.uk
