It’ll take south-east Queensland students just one day to come up with 50-year energy plans for different countries when they take part in an Energy for the Future program being held today at the Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point campus.

With energy policy being hotly debated nationally, they’ll no doubt have some ideas for our political leaders when they present their findings at the end of the day.

More than 60 year-eight students will be guided by resources sector professionals as they come up with plans for their assigned country in the workshop run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).

Taking part will be students from Wavell State High School, Bundamba, Churchie, Sommerville House, Kingston College and Alexandra Hills who will examine eight different energy sources and how they can be applied to countries including China, Denmark, Brazil, New Zealand, Japan and Australia.

Augustine Okoro of Hastings Deering said reliable energy was something we can all sometimes take for granted and it was important for students to learn the complexities of energy production and supply that go into the simple action of flicking a switch.

“The solutions that students came up with at previous Energy for the Future programs to provide reliable and affordable energy have just blown me away,” Augustine said.

“Perhaps our national leaders could learn a thing or two about energy planning from these students.”

Alison Pound Head of Science Wavell SHS said the workshop provided a great link with the term-three science curriculum.

“It’s a great way for our students to see the practical application of their lessons,” Alison said.

The program concludes with students taking the floor to present their country’s 50-year energy plan. Students must then take questions from the floor from other countries who are vying for the same energy contracts.