The Big Green Challenge is a region-wide contest with 38 teams from 22 secondary schools tackling one of the most talked-about global issues of the 21st century: renewable energy.

The event is being sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and is part of a major information campaign it is running to deepen public understanding of renewable energy.

Elaine Hanton, head of renewables at HIE, says: "The Highlands and Islands has the potential to become a real centre of excellence in renewable energy, both as a producer of energy and in manufacturing and research.

"Important decisions are being made right now which will undoubtedly affect the future quality of life of young people who are currently at school.

"The Big Green Challenge is a great way to offer young people the chance to have their say in what will almost certainly turn out to be one of the biggest issues which will affect them and their environment during the course of their lives."

The competition takes place in three stages with the overall winners going on an all expenses paid trip to Navarre in Spain, a region which is gaining global recognition for its renewable energy know-how.

The area is home to 530,000 people - just slightly higher than the population of the Highlands and Islands - and already 61per cent of its energy requirements come from renewable sources.

The Big Green Challenge local heats are already underway and the winners will go on to a regional final being held in May.

The four winning teams from the regional heats then go forward to the grand final in June to battle it out in front of a panel of top judges.