The Greenpower initiative is an innovative approach to promoting Engineering and Technology as a career. Students from the age of 9 up to 25 can get involved in this unique hands-on project to design, build and race an electric car, with a focus on sustainability, teamwork and the community.
By taking part in the competition, participants are given an insight into the real world of engineering. Since its conception in 1999, the Greenpower competition has expanded from a 22-car secondary school event to a nationwide project. As the competition advances through the different age groups, the task of meeting the specifications becomes more challenging and engaging.
The Goblin Formula for primary schools involves each team building a standard kit car, giving them a basic knowledge of the engineering skills needed to put a car together. At Formula 24 the specification becomes much more open-ended, with only a 24 volt electric motor and four 12 volt batteries being the standard issue to each team. For teams aged 16-25, Formula 24+ allows older competitors to both take their experience from Formula 24 and build a more competitive, faster car or to join the competition and compete with other teams of their age and ability.
Not only does Greenpower approach the idea of engineering from a less mainstream direction than normal lessons or after school clubs, it also encourages creativity and most importantly enthusiasm and cooperation in problem solving; invaluable skills for any young person - whether they decide to pursue an engineering career or not.