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The SEAI has awarded €1m to Irish companies and research institutions carrying out renewable energy research across Europe.
Irish researchers collaborating on seven European projects developing smart energy systems and offshore renewable energy have been awarded Government funding. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is giving €1m through the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, with additional funding from the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.
The projects are part of the ERA-Net Smart Energy Systems funding call worth €33m – involving 30 national and regional funding partners across 23 countries – and the Ocean Energy ERA-Net Co-fund worth €6.82m.
Speaking about the Irish Government funding, SEAI CEO William Walsh said: “I am delighted that we can facilitate Irish participation in these initiatives by providing research funding and support.
“These collaborative projects bring people together to create new ideas, form new partnerships and find solutions to the challenges we face as we transition towards a cleaner energy future.”
ERA-Net Smart Energy Systems fund
The four ERA-Net Smart Energy Systems projects with Irish partners are:
Beyond – International Energy Research Centre, Tyndall National Institute/University College Cork and ESB Networks
This project will demonstrate market designs for the integration of local ‘smart grids’ into centralised grids; including investigating the application of blockchain technologies.
EV-Chip – The Energy Institute/University College Dublin
This project will explore the potential for centrally optimised electric vehicle charging, integrated with building energy management systems.
Redap – Spatial Outlook, the Irish Centre for High-End Computing and Codema
This project aims to automate, improve and replicate an Irish energy demand analysis system designed for the Dublin region and other European regions.
PIGergy – GlasPort Bio
This project aims to develop and validate innovative solutions to treat pig waste.
Ocean Energy ERA-Net Co-fund
The three successful Ocean Energy ERA-Net Co-fund projects with Irish partners are:
Optimor – ORPC Ireland
This project aims to deliver a multi-MW crossflow tidal power system for deployment in European markets.
WEC4Ports – ÉireComposites
This project will explore the integration of wave energy converters in port breakwaters in order to develop a cost-effective mechanism of delivering renewable energy for significant transport hubs.
SeaSnake – Ocean Wave Venture
The main goal of the SeaSnake project is to provide a step change in the overall performance of a medium voltage cable system, while ensuring that it is highly reliable and lowers the risks of ocean energy installations.
