Students across the region compete in SMUD’s inaugural KidWind JR. Wind Turbine Competition

Dozens of student teams compete for trophies

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Friday, Mar. 28, SMUD, in partnership with KidWind, will present its inaugural 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 70 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 the importance of renewable energy and opportunities in the clean energy sector. Students will get to learn about the role wind energy plays and learn about SMUD’s 2030 Zero Carbon Goal.  

Students will compete to win trophies and medals.

WHAT:      SMUD Hosts Inaugural KidWind Challenge JR. Wind Turbine Competition

WHEN:      Friday, Mar. 28, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(Media availability from 10 a.m. to noon)

WHERE:   SMUD Customer Service Center, 6301 S Street, Sacramento

WHO:        Dozens of middle school students gather to compete in SMUD’s inaugural wind turbine competition

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 and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. In 2023, SMUD’s power supply was, on average, 78 percent carbon free, and SMUD has a goal to reach zero carbon in its electricity production by 2030. SMUD’s rates and customer bills are consistently among the lowest in California, and are today, on average, more than 50 percent lower than its neighboring investor-owned utility. For more information on SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan and its customer programs, visit smud.org.