Everything You Need to Know About… Steam to Green @ Discovery Museum

What is Steam to Green?

Created in conjunction with Newcastle University and 18 forward-thinking North East green technology companies, Steam To Green: A North-East Energy Revolution is a mammoth two-year exhibition which aims to explore and celebrate the region’s essential role in the energy revolutions, from fossil fuels to low-carbon renewables.

As well as acknowledging the region's vital role in these important developments, the exhibition also wants to engage young people in taking action against climate change and inspire them to consider careers in green science and engineering.  By looking at the 150-year history of innovation in the region, with a focus on energy – coal and steam in particular – the exhibition provides a context for all the exciting research and development taking place here today, from wind turbines to electric vehicles.

Where and when is it happening?

Steam To Green is taking place at the Discovery Museum on Blandford Square from 20th July 2024 all the way through till 6th September 2026.

Is it family-friendly?

It's more than family-friendly! The exhibition has placed young people front and centre of its intentions, describing it as a ‘a fun and fantastic way for the younger generation to learn about energy and the wellbeing of the planet’. And there will be a series of events, school visits and career fairs to further engage local kids.

What will be featured in the exhibition?

The exhibition will have a vast and fascinating range of exhibits on show, including several state of the art interactive displays showing how wind and solar power work. From a huge block of coal and a ‘sensory station’ exploring fossil fuels, through to a ‘cutaway’ Nissan Leaf car, the exhibition will feature all manner of examples of technology from Victorian industry to 21^st century green technology. Visitors can watch – or even cause - a hydrogen ball to head into the sky, generate electricity, fly solar-powered airplanes and explore wind speed and aerodynamics. 

There’ll be working models and replicas of turbines, waterwheels, generators and batteries (many originating in the region). Some of the museum’s existing exhibits – like their steam-turbine powered ship Turbinia and the world’s first commercial lightbulb (both originating on Tyneside) – will also play their part. Another fascinating element will be a section where 17 households tell their green energy story, showing how green technology plays a part in their everyday lives.

What events are taking place during Steam to Green?

The programme of related events is still being confirmed, but it’s set to include everything from beach clean ups (Curiosity Sparks Ocean Clean Up, the first is on 23rd July) to technology-related kids clubs (Tiny Sparks and Sparks Club) and career pathway fairs to help guide young people into careers in green technology.

Do I need tickets?

Like everything at Discovery Museum, Steam To Green is free (although the museum always welcomes donations to help keep things running) and no tickets are needed for the exhibition. Some related events might be ticketed so keep an eye on the website.

Steam To Green is a big, bold and brilliant endeavour, full of history, science and local pride and with a strong emphasis on what happens next as we move away from fossil fuels and towards a greener future. It’s bound to fascinate people of all ages and who knows - it might inspire some young minds to play their part in the green revolution.

Steam To Green: A North East Energy Revolution runs from 20th July 2024 to 6th September 2026 at the Discovery Museum which is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and from 11am to 4pm on weekends. For more information visit www.discoverymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/steam-to-green-a-north-east-energy-revolution.