Students across the region take on wind to compete in SMUD’s KidWind Challenge Jr. wind turbine competition

Students across the region take on wind to compete in SMUD's KidWind Challenge Jr. wind turbine competition

Dozens of student teams compete for trophies

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -On Friday, Dec. 5, SMUD, in partnership with KidWind, presents a wind turbine competition.The KidWind Challenge Jr. is a hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) design competition where student teams have the opportunity to build and test a small wind turbine.

Over 100 middle school students from across the region will be given the tools they need to design, create and build a one-of-a-kind wind turbine and test it in a wind tunnel.

Most importantly, this wind turbine competition teaches students about the importance of renewable energy and opportunities in the clean energy sector. Students will learn about the role wind energy plays in SMUD's 2030 Zero Carbon Plan.

Students will compete to win trophies and medals.

About SMUD

As the nation's sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for more than 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. In 2024, SMUD's power supply was about 62% carbon free, which is largely influenced by the weather and amount of hydroelectricity produced. SMUD's goal is to completely eliminate carbon in its electricity production by 2030 while maintaining reliability and keeping rates among the lowest in California - on average, 50% lower than its neighboring, investor-owned utility. For more information on SMUD's Zero Carbon Planand its customer programs, visit smud.org.