5th Grade Explore the Future of Energy

DAC gets 5th grade students to reflect on the energy transition.

     The energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies, a path being followed in the countries of the European Union, is a current and important topic for the preservation of our planet. Therefore, in the Mathematics subject, we decided to research and delve deeper into the topic, within the scope of the Curricular Articulation Domains (DAC), using the analysis of graphs and statistical data. In turn, in the Technological Education subject, students debated the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non-renewable energies.

     Renewable energies have two very important advantages: they never run out and they do not release polluting gases, which affect our health and contribute to the increase in the greenhouse effect and climate change.

     Among the graphs analyzed by the students are those referring to the sources of electricity production in Portugal in the year 2024 (figure 1), and on the evolution of electricity production from the year 2016 to 2025.

Figure 1

       We found that in 2024, 80% of the electricity produced in Portugal came from renewable sources (hydro, wind, solar, biomass + MSW + biogas), 12.4% from fossil fuel sources (natural gas), and 7.6% from pumped electricity.

       Of the electricity consumed in our country, we produce 80%, and 20% was purchased from Spain, which produces a lot of electricity in coal-fired power plants.

Electricity production in Portugal using renewable sources.

Figure 2

     Analyzing the evolution of electricity production in recent years, we found that in some years production from renewable sources was much lower than 80%, mainly in dry years, when the use of hydroelectric power is lower. The use of wind energy and biomass+MSW+Biogas did not vary significantly; however, the use of solar energy has increased significantly, especially since 2021.

    Given that electricity consumption in Portugal has been increasing in recent years due to population growth, economic growth, the rise in electric vehicles, and rising average temperatures that intensify the use of air conditioning, we believe it is urgent to increase investment in renewable energies.

   The students concluded that all citizens should contribute to reducing the use of fossil fuels by using public transport more, electric vehicles more often, and cycling whenever possible. Preserving planet Earth is everyone's responsibility.

5th Grade A – Carapinheira Elementary School