Students explore the mysteries of energy storage

30 January 2012

Storing the electricity produced by the renewable energy technologies is a major challenge for sectors such as wind power. In this year’s Year 9 Science Challenge, run by industrial gases business BOC, George Abbot School in Guildford won the trophy by outlining how they would use hydrogen to store energy and power a new generation of transport in the UK.

The BOC Challenge is designed to engage school students in the real world of science and engineering. The competition invites teams in Year 9 (13-14 year olds) to explore issues that relate to real projects in society. Each team is assigned a mentor from BOC who can advise them on aspects of technology and research. The competition runs shortly before students make their choices about GCSE studies – it aims to show that science and technology can be exciting and relevant.

Mike Dennis, Head of Bulk and Packaged Gases Business Management at BOC, commented: "Science and engineering are at the heart of our economy. As a business that serves virtually every sector of UK industry, we know how important it is to encourage a new generation of scientists and engineers to take up the challenge of keeping the UK at the forefront of research and innovation."

George Abbot Chemistry Teacher Ceri Greenfield said: "We are delighted to win this year’s competition. The team have all put in a great deal of work and it is great to see them rewarded for it. The Challenge is a very good way of helping students to see how science and technology are applied in today’s world."

1. Picture caption: BOC’s Mike Dennis (left) with the winners of BOC’s Year 9 Science Challenge from George Abbot School, Guildford, Nat, Theo, Tom, Chris and Marcus, together with Chemistry Teacher Ceri Greenfield.
2. The final was held at BOC’s Guildford offices on Wednesday 25 January 2012.