- Newcastle’s Discovery Museum launches “Steam to Green – A North East Energy Revolution.
- Interactive displays feature hydrogen generation and historical artefacts, part of a two-year exhibit inspiring future engineers and scientists.
The Newcastle Museum Exhibit Highlights Energy Innovation. An exciting new exhibition titled “Steam to Green – A North East Energy Revolution” has recently launched at Newcastle’s Discovery Museum. This immersive showcase delves into the region’s rich 150-year history of energy technology, highlighting the innovative strides made by businesses and visionaries in harnessing various energy sources.
The exhibition offers a comprehensive journey, starting with the Victorian era’s reliance on fossil fuels and ending with the contemporary green energy revolution. Notably, it showcases the pivotal role played by industries like Nissan in Sunderland, celebrated as Europe’s pioneer in mass-producing electric vehicles.
Designed to captivate visitors of all ages, the exhibition features interactive elements to educate and inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and inventors. It will remain open for two years, allowing full-time exploration and engagement.
Among the standout attractions is a monumental artwork by renowned South Tyneside artist and former miner Bob Olley titled “Timbering Up.” Additionally, visitors can participate in an interactive display where they generate electricity through water, splitting it into hydrogen and oxygen. This process culminates in a thrilling reaction that waves a hydrogen ball into the sky.
Other highlights include a detailed cross-section of an underwater sea cable and permanent exhibitions showcasing pioneering innovations, such as the waterwheel invented by North East industrialist William Armstrong.
The exhibition’s realization is made possible through the generous support of Newcastle University, the Faraday Challenge, the Reece Foundation, The Headley Trust, Friends of Discovery Museum, and the Art Fund. Professor Colin Herron, CBE, from Newcastle University, expressed optimism about the exhibition’s impact, stating, “We hope to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and inventors to contribute to this monumental transition.