MU researchers awarded €500,000 in National Challenge funding

    Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - 10:30

    MU researchers have been awarded almost €500,000 in funding under Research Ireland's National Challenge Fund. Prof Fabiano Pallonetto and Dr Amy Fahy of MU's School of Business were awarded €492,000 under Research Ireland's National Challenge 'Grow Phase' Fund for their RENEW project, which aims to build a strong community will for sustainability.

    The Renewable Energy through Networking, Education or RENEW project addresses key challenges faced by Energy Communities (ECs), including user engagement, technological gaps, regulatory hurdles, and financial barriers.

    By providing tailored education, interactive tools, and advanced digital solutions, RENEW encourages sustainable energy communities (SECs) to maximise their potential.
     

    Man on left with grey jumper, light blue shirt with top button loose and glasses. Woman on the right with dark brown hair and dark blue top
    Commenting on the award, Prof Pallanetto said; "We are honoured to receive Grow Phase funding under the National Challenge Fund. This support enables the RENEW Project to drive the increased integration of renewables into Ireland’s energy system, helping to lower energy bills for households and businesses while advancing our shared goal of decarbonisation. The funding also strengthens our collaboration with industry, government, and civil society, including a key partnership with Kildare County Council."

    Dr Fahy also added; "Together, we are pioneering innovative solutions that not only address Ireland’s environmental challenges but also empower communities to lead sustainable change and benefit from affordable, clean energy. We are deeply grateful for this support, which makes this critical work possible and drives us closer to a sustainable and equitable energy future."

    The project aims to unlock Ireland’s energy flexibility and renewable energy capabilities, responding to public demand for greater energy education and household involvement in renewable systems. Additionally, the ultimate goal is to develop a framework that enables SECs to function as active nodes in the power system, supported by digital tools and an advanced energy management system.

    Funding of over €9 million has also been awarded to 15 other research teams under the 'Grow Phase' of the National Challenge Fund over the next 12 months which aims to deliver solutions for major environmental and societal issues.  Each team will spend the next year advancing prototyping activities and demonstrating how the solutions they are developing can create tangible value by addressing the specific societal needs identified and refined in the previous phases of the funding programme. The teams selected will have the opportunity for additional funding in the final phase of the programme, where prize funding of between €1-2million will be on offer to the most competitive teams under each Challenge.

    Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO at Research Ireland, said; “The National Challenge Fund is a solution-focused approach that encourages teams to work across discipline and sectoral boundaries, enabling collaboration between academic researchers, industry and government stakeholders and end-users, and ensuring they are developing innovative and implementable solutions. I wish all the finalist teams success as they continue to develop their unique research projects.”

    For more information on the RENEW project, click here.