Orissaare School opens year-round greenhouse powered by renewable energy

A year-round greenhouse has been established at Orissaare School on Saaremaa Island, Estonia, in cooperation with the Estonian Islands Energy Agency.

The greenhouse is more than a space for growing plants. Powered by solar panels, a vertical-axis wind turbine and, when needed, the electricity grid, it gives students the opportunity to learn how renewable energy technologies work in real-life conditions.

Learning energy by doing

The project was designed to make energy topics more accessible and practical for young people. Students can monitor the greenhouse system online, track how much energy is being produced and consumed, collect data and use it for calculations and comparisons.

“This is a pilot project designed to make energy-related topics as practical and accessible as possible for young people,” said Sulev Alajõe, Director of the Estonian Islands Energy Agency. “Students can monitor the system online, track how much energy is being produced and consumed, collect data, and use it for calculations and comparisons. This helps them better understand how different energy solutions work and how they could be applied in their own homes.”

One of the most distinctive features of the greenhouse is its vertical-axis wind turbine, which is used to generate electricity for the facility. While large horizontal-axis wind turbines are more familiar in Estonia, vertical-axis turbines are still relatively uncommon and can be particularly well suited to built environments and small-scale energy generation.

A living classroom for students

The greenhouse will be integrated into teaching activities for both lower and upper secondary students. Mathematics classes will be able to use real energy production and consumption data for calculations, while physics lessons can explore the principles of solar and wind power. Chemistry and natural science classes can also use the greenhouse to study plant growth conditions and the impact of the greenhouse environment.

In addition, the Estonian Islands Energy Agency is developing a 35-hour elective course on Green Technologies for upper secondary students. The course will provide more in-depth knowledge of renewable energy, energy systems and practical technological solutions.

“We wanted to create something that allows students to learn by doing and to see for themselves how these technologies work,” said Marjana Prii, Principal of Orissaare School. “When students can measure, experiment, and observe results firsthand, the learning experience becomes much more meaningful and memorable.”

Lower secondary students are already actively using the greenhouse. Tomatoes, pumpkins and flowers have been planted, and the first harvest is expected soon and will be shared among participants.

Supporting sustainable energy education on Estonia’s islands

The project was funded by the Environmental Investment Centre, the Estonian Islands Energy Agency and Saaremaa Municipality.

The Estonian Islands Energy Agency is a social enterprise operating in the Western Estonian islands of Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormsi, Kihnu and Ruhnu. The agency supports local governments, communities and businesses in implementing projects that promote sustainable energy use and production.