Research Ireland and Gas Networks Ireland have launched a €2.7m research and innovation fund to develop carbon saving technology.
The ‘Research Ireland – Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Challenge’ invites research teams to develop breakthrough technologies in renewable gas, energy system integration and artificial intelligence.
The challenge fund says it will support "transformative innovations with the potential to decarbonise the national gas network and contribute to climate action targets."
The phased funding programme will see successful research bodies in Ireland awarded up to €200,000 while working to develop their idea.
Funding will be categorised as "concept" or €50,000 for six months, followed by "seed" or €150,000 for 12 months and "prize", which will allow teams to work up to 24 months.
An overall prize award of €1m will be available to the team that demonstrates the highest potential for transformative impact.
It is hoped the winning team will generate "high-impact research and accelerate the development of sustainable energy technologies".
Interim CEO at Research Ireland, Celine Fitzgerald, said: “We are delighted to be forging a partnership with Gas Networks Ireland on matters of such importance to our country and, indeed, our planet.
"Both agencies recognise the importance of decarbonisation of Ireland’s gas network.
"The Research Ireland – Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Challenge 2025 will support research projects that have the potential to generate STEM-based solutions for utilisation by the renewable gas industry, giving rise to national impact in the journey to achieve carbon neutrality.
“We look forward to working in partnership with Gas Networks Ireland, and to seeing the outcomes stemming from our co-funded investment in Ireland’s brightest research talent.”
While Chief Operations Officer at Gas Networks Ireland, Bobby Gleeson, said: “This landmark collaboration aligns with Ireland’s national climate ambitions and our strategy to transition to a net zero gas network by 2045”.
“The Innovation Challenge is a powerful example of how targeted research can support national priorities – from climate action to economic development and will help enable the best minds in Irish research to develop practical, scalable solutions for integrating renewable gases and intelligent technologies into our energy infrastructure.
"This is a significant investment in the future of Ireland’s energy system – and in the talent that will help shape it.”
Photography: Fintan Clarke, Coalesce
