Up-and-coming environmental engineers have been given the chance to design and plan their own windfarm at a three day event run by the University of East Anglia, in partnership with Vatenfall and 3DWebtech.

Aspiring environmental engineers have been given the chance to design and plan their own wind farm at an event run by the University of East Anglia, in partnership with Vattenfall and 3DWebtech.

Undergraduates and sixth-form students from across the region created the projects using 3D modelling technology before connecting them to a virtual grid, taking into consideration the effect on communities as well as environmental and financial constraints.

Prof Lawrence Coates, director of engineering at the UEA, said: 'With the shortfall in the number of graduates to fill skilled STEM roles, it's crucial we equip the future generation with the right knowledge and experience. The event was a great success and emphasised the importance of academia and industry working together.'

Vattenfall's UK country manager, Danielle Lane, said: 'The East of England will see rapid growth in offshore wind farm development over the coming years, and the sector will need skilled engineers and technicians to make that happen.'