Each Spring, with support from the NC Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP), the Coastal Studies Institute hosts the NC Renewable Energy Challenge in conjunction with KidWind and Jennette’s Pier. The purpose of this day-long competition is to foster interest in renewable energy technologies, and those who compete in the event must engineer their own model renewable energy devices.
The Challenge has many categories and components. Teams may choose to enter the Wind and/ or Ocean Energy divisions; and in addition to creating a turbine for either division, the students must also test their device onsite, appear before a panel of judges to discuss their design, and participate in a series of “Instant Challenges”- small, quick, hands-on activities that highlight specific energy principles. During the lunch-time keynote address, students also learn about different aspects of the renewable energy sector, including but not limited to research and development, marine energy prototypes, and environmental assessments.
Students prepare their wind (left) and underwater current (right) turbines for testing.
CSI most recently held the 2026 NC Renewable Energy Challenge on March 28, drawing a crowd of nearly 60 students across 19 teams from 8 different counties, as well as almost 40 volunteers. During the event, the halls of the building buzzed with excitement as teams moved from station to station. Students thoughtfully completed the Solar Fountain, Wave Energy Converter, Sail Car, and MacGyver Instant Challenges; tinkered with their turbines and made last-minute tweaks before final testing in the wind tunnel or current tank; and interacted with field and industry experts during their assigned judging sessions. Near the end of the day, they settled into a large classroom to learn about a recently designed marine energy device called the FLOSS, a low-flow ocean current energy technology, from NCROEP researchers Dr. Andre Mazzoleni and Saurabh Agrawal. Then, finally, came the moment for which students waited with bated breath- the awards ceremony!
Organizers of the NC Renewable Energy Challenge are proud to recognize the following 2026 award-winning teams:
Grades 4-8 Wind 1st Place
Geared Up; Water’s Edge Village School (WEVS), Currituck County
Grades 4-8 Wind 2nd Place
I am Jigglypuff; students in Dare County
Grades 4-8 Ocean Currents
Breakwater Converter; P.W. Moore Elementary School, Elizabeth City/ Pasquotank County
High School Wind 1st Place
Salty Wind Sailors; First Flight High School, Dare County
High School Wind 2nd Place
Pam Pack; Washington High School, Beaufort County
High School Ocean Currents 1st Place
Narwhals; First Flight High School, Dare County
High School Ocean Currents 2nd Place
Tidal Force; Pitt County Schools Early College High School
In addition to the prizes awarded at the local competition, Geared Up, I am Jigglypuff, and Salty Wind Sailors received invitations to attend the 2026 KidWind World Challenge in May at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.
“The 2026 NC Renewable Energy Challenge was a great success once again thanks to our great partners and many volunteers. As the event continues to grow, it’s so much fun to see old and new faces alike joining in for an engaging, renewable energy-focused day at CSI,” said event organizer Parker Murphy.
Her sentiment was further echoed by WEVS coach Sylvia Wolff, who wrote organizers to say, “Know that when asked about the highlights of the school year, a visit to CSI, your hands-on teaching, and KidWind competitions are always in the top 5!”
Congratulations to the 2026 NC Renewable Energy Challenge Winners: Geared Up (top left), I am Jigglypuff (top center), Breakwater Converters (not pictured), Salty Wind Sailors (top left), Pam Pack (bottom left), Narwhals (bottom center), and Tidal Force (bottom right).
CSI extends its greatest thanks to each of the students, coaches, parents, and volunteers who bring great energy to the event each and every year. Enthusiasm like that which surrounds the Challenge is what will help continue to inspire future innovators and sustainable energy solutions.
The preceding story first appeared in the Spring 2026 edition of CoastLines, published in June.
Based at the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP) advances inter-disciplinary marine energy solutions across UNC System partner colleges of engineering at NC State University, UNC Charlotte, and NC A&T University. Click on the links below for more information.
ECU's Integrated Coastal Programs (ECU ICP) is a leader in coastal and marine research, education, and engagement. ECU ICP includes the Coastal Studies Institute, ECU's Department of Coastal Studies, and ECU Diving and Water Safety.
The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
