The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has announced up to €19m in new government funding for energy research and innovation projects.
Novel proposals for energy research, development and demonstration (RD&D) that will accelerate the transition to clean energy will be eligible for the funding, which comes from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon on 1 July, and the call is open to applicants from all research disciplines, and from public and private sector organisations, either applying individually or as part of a consortium.
With the funding, SEAI said it would create a multi-year pipeline of energy RD&D projects, extending the National Energy RD&D Programme, which has operated for more than 20 years.
Over the past six years, over €100m has been awarded to more than 240 projects offering innovative solutions in wind energy, bioenergy, energy systems integration, energy efficiency, energy markets, smart grids, transportation, energy policy, community engagement, and geothermal energy.
“Research and innovation are vital enablers for delivery of Ireland’s energy and climate ambitions. I am delighted to launch this call today, which will support our research community to innovate and investigate new technologies, approaches, and solutions to drive Ireland’s clean energy transition," said Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O'Brien.
"Alongside this funding opportunity, I welcome the launch of the inaugural edition of the SEAI National Energy RDD Impact Report, and I look forward to hearing the outcomes and impacts of future projects in further editions.”
Margie McCarthy, director of research and policy insight of SEAI, said: “Fostering cutting-edge research is a pivotal step in addressing the pressing challenges of energy sustainability and efficiency. SEAI supports for research, development and demonstration aim to drive advancements that will benefit our communities and contribute significantly to Ireland's national strategy for a sustainable future.
"Our commitment to energy research underscores our dedication to supporting Ireland's goals of reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy security, and promoting economic growth through innovative energy research projects.
"We invite researchers and innovators to join us in this crucial endeavour to shape a resilient and sustainable energy landscape for generations to come.”
The 2025 call also involves co-funding partnerships with Met Éireann and The Climate Change Advisory Council. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine also intend to co-fund Topics 16 and 17, subject to final approval at a later stage.
This year’s call contains a thematic strand and an open strand. The former includes 20 research topics co-developed by SEAI in consultation with a range of government departments and agencies.
The research themes include heat, electricity, grid flexibility, EV grants, energy modelling, maritime transport, energy poverty, offshore wind, critical raw materials, behavioural change and bioenergy among others.
The open strand is for applicants to submit applications on vital research that addresses the overall programme objectives and contributes to Ireland’s clean energy transition.
Coinciding with the funding call, SEAI has launched the first impact report for the SEAI National Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) funding programme with details on outcomes of completed projects funded through previous calls.
(Pic: Getty Images)
