Solutions to the world’s energy problems will be put to expert panels by year 8 students from across Queensland this month.

They are taking part in Energy for a Future Earth workshops run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) in Brisbane, Gladstone and Blackwater, which introduce students to real-world problems as part of their learning experience.

Director of Skills, Education and Diversity for the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), Katrina-Lee Jones said energy security was captivating everyone’s attention and these students will try and find the answers.

“Each student will represent a country such as China, Sweden or Germany and be asked by experts to chart an energy blueprint for the next 50 years. Resources sector experts will give presentations on energy to inform the best energy mix for their designated country,” Ms Jones said.

“The day concludes with each country delegate presenting their findings and fielding questions about their energy choices. It’s an opportunity to develop skills such as entrepreneurialism and the workshops are directly linked with the term 3 science curriculums.”

Almost 200 students from regional and south-east Queensland will attend the three events.

“All of this would not be possible without the ongoing support of our sponsors and I personally thank BHP, APLNG, Anglo American, Hastings Deering, NRG, Jellinbah, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Geological Surveyors of Queensland, CQU and QUT for their contributions to the workshop series,” Ms Jones said.

“Students lucky enough to be selected have already demonstrated an interest in science, technology engineering and maths (STEM) subjects and will have the opportunity to work with marketing and business university students to help them pitch their findings.”

QMEA is the education and skills arm of the QRC and provides pathways for students into the resources sector. It is a partnership between the resources sector and the Queensland Government through its Gateway to Industry Schools Program.