Exhibition exploring North East journey through the past, present and future of energy technology

For two years Discovery Museum will host an ambitious new exhibition that will inspire people of all ages to engage in the green energy revolution in the North East, from 20 July 2024 - 6 September 2026.

In partnership with Newcastle University, Steam to Green: A North East Energy Revolution features historic technology, state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, artwork and incredible models that chart a journey over the last 150 years exploring how North East innovators and businesses have harnessed different energy sources - from Victorian fossil fuels to the most exciting renewable energy solutions of the 21^st century.

Specifically designed for all ages, the exhibition offers a fun and fantastic way for the younger generation to learn about energy and the wellbeing of the planet. And with the involvement of 18 North East businesses from the green technology sector, it will also inspire the future innovators and inventors in striving for a better future. 

Brand new interactive exhibits will have children and adults getting to grips – literally – with the fun science behind green technologies. Visitors will also be able to send a hydrogen ball skywards or navigate two solar-powered airplanes among other hands-on activities. 

Elsewhere in the exhibition a number of intricate and detailed models will show how the North East was at the forefront of the first forays into hydro power and electricity. A 1901 electric train carriage model can be compared to a steam locomotive, while a 19^th century windmill replica depicts a building that is still standing in Newcastle today. The models will also highlight how the North East was its own powerhouse during this technological revolution. Included will be a model of a steam turbine by its very inventor, Tyneside’s Charles Parsons (1854 - 1931), as well as an electrical generator by Newcastle-born John Henry Holmes (1857 – 1935) with his Holmes No1 dynamo. 

Green technology objects made in the region on display will include a cross section of an underwater sea cable; wind turbines, solar panels and a TESLA power-wall will all be on display, showing the physical inventions that have been made as a result of tackling climate change.

The North East of England was one of the first regions to start developing a network of electric vehicle charge points, and Nissan’s plant in Sunderland is the first mass production of electric vehicles in the whole of Europe. A cross-section ‘cutaway’ of a Nissan LEAF electric car showing its inner workings will be one of the first things visitors see when entering the museum, while the first ever ‘Elektromotive’ charging post in the region will also be on display. 

Headline sponsor Vattenfall has a deep connection to the industry and area. Vattenfall is a leading European energy company, while one of its current onshore windfarms – Ray Wind Farm – is built on Charles Parsons’s former estate.

Keith Merrin, Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums said: 

“We’re very excited to launch the new Steam to Green exhibition and event programme. It not only tells the story of the North East’s role in creating inventions that changed the world in the past, but we’ve also worked with multiple experts and organisations across the green energy sector to show how the North East is leading the way in research and innovation today. We hope Steam to Green will ignite a sense of pride in our fabulous North East, inspire people to take action against climate change and encourage young people to find out more about career pathways in science and engineering.”

Lisa Christie, UK Country Manager at Vattenfall said: 

“Vattenfall is delighted to be supporting the Steam to Green exhibition, at a time when inspiring people about the possibilities of a green future has never been more important. With a 100-strong team based in Hexham and our Ray Wind Farm meeting around 10% of Northumberland’s electricity needs every year, Vattenfall is a key part of the North East’s energy transition.”  

Professor Colin Herron CBE from Newcastle University said: 

“The whole world is going through a transformation from ‘burning stuff’ to create power to clean energy or ‘electrification’. This transformation will impact on everybody on the planet, but at slightly different times. The UK is going through this transformation now with the most visible example being the electric cars and buses we see on our roads. However, this transformation is complicated with masses of new technology which may seem overwhelming to many people.

“Steam to Green is the ‘go to’ place to understand and become comfortable with the future, and we hope to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists and inventors to help this once in a lifetime transition."

Steam to Green: A North East Revolution has been curated by Kylea Little, Keeper of History at Discovery Museum, and is sponsored by Vattenfall, Lumo, Tyne and Wear Metro, and Northumbrian Water.

 The exhibition is supported by Newcastle University, Faraday Challenge, Reece Foundation, The Headley Trust, Friends of Discovery Museum, and the Art Fund. 

IMAGES FOR MEDIA USE CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE.