A new interactive exhibition focused on clean energy has opened at the University of Wollongong’s Science Space, offering a hands-on approach to understanding renewable energy. The exhibit, named the Energy Futures Zone, was inaugurated in November 2023 by UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor G.Q. Max Lu and Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes. The project received $2.5 million in funding from the federal government.
The Energy Futures Zone features a series of 29 interactive exhibits designed to educate visitors about renewable energy and the manufacturing innovations that accompany it. Professor Ty Christopher, director of UOW’s Energy Futures Network, emphasized that the exhibition aims to “teach not preach.” He explained that it is accessible for individuals of all ages, from five to 105, and focuses on how energy impacts daily life.
“This exhibition is meant to educate people on how energy affects every minute of our everyday lives,” Professor Christopher stated. “We want to show where our energy comes from now, where it could come from in the future, and how the complex systems we have in place deliver the lifestyle we enjoy.”
The funding for the Energy Futures Zone is part of a larger initiative, with a total of $10 million allocated towards UOW’s Energy Futures Skills Centre, which aims to prepare a skilled workforce for Australia’s clean energy transition. Professor Lu noted that the exhibition serves as a foundation for fostering knowledge about energy and its implications for the future.
“It shows how energy touches every part of our daily lives and encourages people to imagine cleaner, smarter ways of powering our world,” he remarked. “Importantly, it is also a bridge to what comes next, as the Energy Futures Skills Centre will help our industries equip the workforce needed for this transformation.”
Alison Byrnes highlighted the importance of innovation and excellence in manufacturing within the Illawarra region, stating that local entrepreneurs and global investors are recognizing the area’s potential. “We are showcasing Wollongong on the world stage as a leader in renewable energy,” she said. “Building the skilled workforce we need starts right here.”
Among the various exhibits, Byrnes expressed particular enthusiasm for the pumped hydro marbles and wind turbines, which she described as her favorite parts. The Energy Futures Zone is positioned not just as an exhibition but as a catalyst for inspiration and capability to support the community’s future in clean energy.
With the launch of this new attraction, the University of Wollongong aims to engage the public in crucial conversations about energy and sustainability while equipping the next generation with the skills necessary for a cleaner future.
