Pupils in West Lothian are being given the chance to design an alternative use for a heat pump as part of the annual "Pump It Up" school challenge.

Taking part in the competition will be nine of the region's secondary schools, which is being run as a joint venture between Livingston-based Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe and the West Lothian Chamber of Commerce.

The aim is to bring industry and schools closer together with S3 pupils being asked to combine their technical knowledge and imagination to come up with an innovative way to use a heat pump.

The renewables sector in Scotland is in need of a wave of new blood and it's hoped that in the process of developing their skills, the challenge will ultimately helped the youngsters' career journeys going forward.

Winners will be announced at the finals event at Howden Park Centre on Thursday 19 June (4:30pm - 7pm).


Special guests are set to include the Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh, Mr Katsutoshi Takeda, Mr Hattori Taro, President, Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe, Dr Elaine Cook, Depute Chief Executive West Lothian Council and Provost Cathy Muldoon.

Linda Scott, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce chief executive said: "This competition is all about encouraging Scotland's younger generation to think outside the box and come up with clever and innovative ideas that give them a greater understanding of technology and sustainable energy.

"Ultimately, we are looking to help our younger generations learn and develop new skills and competitions such as these are great for this because they tap into a number of different skill sets such as creativity and teamwork."

Rodney Ayre, Senior Department Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe, added: "The collaboration between high schools and academies in West Lothian, Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe Ltd and West Lothian Chamber of Commerce encourages young people to consider heat pump technology in innovative new ways, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

"The success of the project has given our local community a greater awareness of what we do, while providing a platform for talented young individuals within each school to research, study, plan and create products that may form part of the future, increasing real life skills, environmental awareness and the visualisation of alternative potential careers journeys."