€11m in Funding Announced for Cutting-Edge Energy Research

Today the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton TD, announced that €11m in funding has been awarded to 50 cutting-edge research, development and demonstration energy projects. These projects will develop solutions that will deliver cleaner energy for our homes, businesses and communities.

Announcing the funding Minister Bruton said:

“Moving to net-zero by 2050 represents a major challenge. The application of already known technology at scale and the harnessing of emerging potential will demand creativity and collaboration on a far greater scale. This funding will support the kind of innovation that is needed.

The government is committed to meeting this challenge. The Climate Action Plan commits to a number of measures such as a €500m Climate Action Fund; €6bn ringfenced revenue from carbon price for climate action and funding for ongoing research in key areas of opportunity such as renewable energy, bio alternatives and land use management. The funding being announced today will contribute to this package of measures and will support 50 innovative projects, helping us deliver the step-up required.”

The Minister made the announcement at the inaugural National Energy Research and Policy Conference hosted by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in the Alex Hotel, Dublin. The conference brings together the energy industry, researchers and policymakers to explore how research can help Ireland achieve its goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030. The theme of the conference is the transformation of Ireland’s electricity sector.

William Walsh, CEO of SEAI said:

“I want to congratulate the teams behind the successful projects. The recently published All-of-Government Climate Action Plan includes a target for 70% of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. Energy research and innovation, such as the projects receiving Government funding through SEAI and through our strategic co-funding partners, are crucial components to enable Ireland’s low carbon transition.

SEAI plays a central role in progressing energy research in Ireland through the provision of Government funding and support. This new conference series brings together key stakeholders to connect the dots between research, policy and practice. Through encouraging the development of innovative market, policy and technical solutions, we can develop a thriving and efficient clean energy sector. ”

Some of the projects that received funding in 2019 include:

— Even with the availability of grants and support schemes, a key barrier to homeowners investing in home energy upgrade works is a lack of sufficient funds. Irish company SustainabilityWorks is researching the development of an innovative financial solution that includes low-interest rates, long-term finance, and a system that makes it easy and convenient for householders to access and repay the finance.

— Dr Jerry Murphy at UCC is leading a project exploring cost-effective solutions for future on-farm anaerobic digestion technologies using typical Irish farm-based feedstock such as animal slurries, excess grass silage and straw. This project will be co-funded by Gas Networks Ireland.

— Dr Valerie Cummins at the MaREI institute will lead a research project to explore opportunities for Ireland to be an early mover in Floating Offshore Wind. She will examine the potential for a pilot project off the south or west coast of Ireland. A floating offshore wind turbine is mounted on a floating structure, which allows it to operate in water depths where fixed turbine foundations would not be possible.

The SEAI is responsible for awarding and administering the fund to companies and research institutions nationwide. €1m of this funding came from three strategic co-funding partners, the ESB, Gas Networks Ireland and Geological Survey Ireland.