Annual MSc EDE trip to Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales

The annual MSc Environmental Design and Engineering trip to the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Machynlleth, Wales this November was once again a great success. 

Dr Jane Fisher, Head of Education in CAT, gave a presentation with the title 'Renewable energy: why we need it, why it cannot save us', followed by workshops on renewable energy technologies. This year the MSc students had the opportunity to participate in a range of on-site activities, such as building solar thermal collectors, hydroelectric practicals and guided walks around the on-site wind turbines. The trip ended with a sunny trip to the Caernarfon Castle, where students and staff enjoyed the stunning views from the fortress to the city, and Llanberis, to visit the fascinating 'living' National Slate Museum, located at the now disused 19th-century workshops of the Dinorwic slate quarry and, finally, the Electric Mountain for a tour deep inside Elidir mountain to explore the pumps and turbines of the Dinorwig Power Station.