The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland will offer €8m to fund 45 innovative energy projects across the country.
The 45 projects that will receive funding from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) seek to develop clean energy solutions for homes, businesses and communities over the course of the next four years. These projects will form vital parts of the Government of Ireland’s efforts to meet its long-term climate change targets.
Among the projects that will receive funding is a study led by Dr Miriam Byrne and undertaken by researchers at the National University of Ireland, Galway and University College Dublin (UCD), who are investigating the effectiveness of ventilation systems in A-rated energy efficient homes, as well as the comfort and satisfaction of homeowners.
Another project will involve a collaboration between UCD and SSE Airtricity, the largest developer of renewable energy generation in Ireland, to use artificial intelligence to reduce volatility in the wholesale energy market, in order to make renewable energy generation more cost effective and lower prices for consumers.
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Minister for Environment and Climate Action Denis Naughten welcomed the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s investment in renewable energy generation and technology. He added that his priority for the near future is to increase this funding, saying: “I am determined to see this fund grow significantly over the coming years to develop innovative solutions. This type of government funding significantly helps businesses and research institutions in the energy sector in Ireland to conduct world class research that will create jobs, build capacity and support innovation in clean energy.”
Jim Gannon, CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, concurred, saying that the projects would facilitate collaboration between stakeholders at all levels and across the sustainable energy industry. He explained: “New solutions and new technologies are central to achieving a sustainable energy future for Ireland. With direct involvement from industry, academia and local enterprises, the 45 projects we are funding will deliver real solutions to problems that the energy sector is facing today.”
