The Magic of Electricity

It may seem a million miles away from Didcot, but the steam billowing out of Hogwart’s express as it thunders over majestic railways bridges is also what lights our schools, roads and homes. And like  the speed with which Harry can summon light using the magic words ‘luminous’, electricity is available to us at the flick of a switch.

The seemingly magical process of producing electricity was explained by kindly volunteers at Didcot power station on a recent visit.  With Visual aids akin to a 1970’s game show, all was revealed, and if comprehension required a decent amount of brain power of our own, staff were on hand with biscuits and squash to recharge our batteries.

After the theoretical explanation, it was our chance to see the power station in action, but before setting off, some safety regulations had to be met. Waiting on the table in front of us was a canary yellow industrial hardhat, an innocent looking packet and some lab glasses. As the realisation dawned that we were expected to don these, reactions varied: some giggled, others sighed; a deathly hush fell over a table of trendies.

All looking the part, we were ferried to our next stop by mini bus, which gives an idea of the scale of facility, to our next destination: the control room. Many commented on how it lent itself to comparisons with a NASA mission control centre; however, in place of frenzied activity by short-sleeved shirt and tie wearing astronautical engineers, the area was populated by blue boiler suit clad technicians reclining in swivel chairs. The relaxed pace can be explained by the fact the power station was standing idle. Day-shift workers were holding the fort, ready to hand over to their colleagues, who would, our guide informed us, respond to the increased nocturnal demand for power by firing up the boilers.

Having infiltrated the nerve centre of the operation, the next stage approached, but entering a working power station’s beating heart would require further safety precautions. Those innocuous little packets were carefully opened and Madeline, our guide, explained how to fit the ear plugs effectively.  Fortunately, the turbine room was a visually stimulating experience. Walking along a gangway to the muffled din of heavy machinery in use, Madeline pointed out diagrams labelling the various pieces of equipment. Focusing on the tiny pictures- much like those in GCSE text books-then refocusing on the humongous boiler brought home how privileged we were to be witnessing physics in action.

All in all, the visit was a fascinating insight into the energy industry and the production we all take for granted: electricity.


Text by English teacher Anna Irvine and Physics teacher Angus Roberts