As the bus drove towards the Castle Peak Power Plant, I could see up ahead the smoke bellowing out of the smoke stacks. The stacks were quite tall in the distance and I later found out they were over 200m tall. I've been on this trip before but this time was more enjoyable and informative. The tour and talk about the reactor was similar to previous years yet it was somewhat different. Students this year were very curious and prepared some really good questions for our tour guide and energy expert, Uncle Chek (I hope that's how you spell his name). Students bombarded him with questions about energy, Hong Kong's plans for green energy along with ones about global warming. Well done students!
Although it was rainy outside, my favorite part of the trip was seeing the whole power plant on the bus tour. We were able to see the new installations built to reduce the carbon and sulphur emissions, hills of coal storage, gigantic oil and water tanks (for emergencies) and even a ship docked for coal delivery.
We ended off our tour by visiting the informative, interactive and inviting Energy Museum. Many of the students enjoyed testing and experimenting with things that create electric currents, better understanding how electricity is made. There were many information boards about how renewable and non-renewable energy is used to make electricity with models and diagrams to support student learning. In addition, many tips were given on how to conserve energy at home and to save money and the environment.
Overall, I think many students enjoyed the trip, being able to see how electricity is made and grateful to be able to speak to an expert in energy in HK. A big thank you to all parent volunteers who accompanied 5L, 5R and 5A on a fun and educational trip to CLP.