ESB Networks’ Weather Watch School Programme Expands to 180 Schools Nationwide

• 180 schools and over 18,000 students across every county in Ireland taking part, including 10 Gaelscoileanna – doubling in scale since last year’s pilot
• Participating students reported that understanding of the connection between weather and renewable energy grew by 50%, while almost half spoke to parents about home energy use 
• New lessons focus on Ireland’s wind farms, exploring how geography influences renewable energy generation

ESB Networks has announced the nationwide expansion of its Weather Watch Schools Programme, an innovative educational initiative for Junior Cycle and Transition Year Geography students linking weather patterns to renewable energy generation in an engaging and educational way. Now reaching approximately 15,000 students in 180 schools nationwide, including 10 Gaelscoileanna, the programme has more than doubled in scale since its first phase last year. Each school receives a free in-class weather station to enable students to track real-time weather conditions and learn how these affect electricity generation and consumption, as well access to educational materials on the subject.

Evaluation from last year demonstrated clear educational impact and led to meaningful energy conversations in the home: 

• 73% of students showed improved awareness of energy use
• Understanding of the link between weather and renewable generation rose by 50%
• More than 75% could correctly identify peak demand times, up from 33% pre-Weather Watch 
• 48% reported discussing electricity use at home within the previous month

This year’s programme introduces new modules focusing on Ireland’s wind farms. Using OS maps and aerial imagery, students explore how physical geography influences site selection and evaluate the social and environmental benefits of wind energy. Tailored materials for Irish-medium schools also ensure the programme is accessible in both English and Irish.

Lindsay Sharpe Customer & Strategy Manager at ESB Networks said: “We are pleased to expand the ESB Networks Weather Watch programme this year and to see the genuine enthusiasm from students and teachers in classrooms across the country. Research from participating students and teachers show that students are not only increasing their understanding of the link between energy use and renewable generation, but they are actively engaging on it and starting powerful conversations about energy use in their wider everyday life with family and peers. 

“This awareness shows how ESB Networks Weather Watch has developed from a classroom initiative into an important part of ESB Networks’ Networks for Net Zero strategy. We look forward to supporting this continued growth in everyday understanding of energy use and choices, so we can continue to shape a more sustainable future for all.”

The initiative encourages energy awareness conversations beyond the classroom, supporting ESB Networks’ “Is This a Good Time?” campaign to promote smarter electricity use. By linking theory to practice, students gain a clear understanding of how Ireland’s climate connects to its renewable future and can bring this back into their homes. Weather Watch also now plays a role in driving the cultural shift needed to achieve Ireland’s Networks for Net Zero ambitions. By making energy literacy part of everyday learning, the programme empowers students to bring sustainability thinking beyond the classroom, influencing attitudes and behaviours across Irish homes.

Geography Teacher, Kingswood Community College, Dublin, added: “The ESB Networks Weather Watch Programme has really captured enthusiasm and interest from our Geography students as it makes energy and climate issues real for them. They can see the direct link between what they learn in geography and how renewable energy works in practice. The students really enjoy using the weather station to collect data and it helps them consider sustainability in a real-world way. As a school we are looking forward to implementing the programme again this year.”