Come and see a working model of a wave-energy proposal that could change the face of the Overstrand. Ponder, while you watch, the possibilities of cutting your electricity bills by 30%.  There are solar powered toys and wind-driven toys to delight the young (and young at heart); a bungee-jumping bear, a biogas generator to turn your waste to gold (well not quite, but pretty valuable cooking gas); and maybe even some dancing girls.

Discover how photovoltaic cells convert light energy into electrical energy; how we can capture heat energy from the sun; how to harness the energy of the ‘wayward wind’ and the restless waves; how to use the enormous energy in the structure of atoms; the kinetic energy of water and the heat energy in the core of the earth.  

What is energy?

Everything in the universe is energy – the stars, the light that bathes us, the food we eat and the things we see all around us. Energy takes many different forms; it can be converted from one form to another; but it can be neither created nor destroyed. Energy is what allows work to be done. 

Since man discovered how to use coal to fuel steam engines, our dependence on energy-driven technology has increased to the extent that we are now addicted to fossil fuels. Like all addiction this is not healthy – not healthy for the planet and not healthy for our future on it. This energy-driven technology has enabled man, in 200 short years, to use up more of Earth’s resources than the amount lost since the birth of mankind. And the loss is growing exponentially. Accompanied by an ever-increasing population, this exploitation has now reached 150% of the carrying capacity of the planet and carbon and other emissions are contributing to global climate change with serious consequences.

In fact we are running on empty.

Despite this, modern society is not going to give up the technology developed over the last century. We will remain dependent on energy. The question is, what energy sources do we have that will sustain us into the future?

Whale Coast Conservation’s energy Expo explores the nature of energy, the sources of energy, how to utilise these sources, how to limit our dependence on fossil fuels, how to reduce our carbon footprint, how to make informed choices and, above all, to have fun while finding out more about the wonderful world of energy.

SEE YOU THERE! IT’S FREE!

Whale House Lawns and Village square, Hermanus
30 April and 1st May
9h30-16h30