Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, T.D., announced performance funding awards totalling €5 million to six higher education institutions in recognition of their positive performance in working towards national strategic objectives. Each award is valued at €833,333.
Welcoming the awards, Minister Harris said: “It is vital that we recognise outstanding performance in higher education, and I would like to congratulate the successful institutions on their exceptional case study submissions. Together, these institutions are making a significant and lasting impact in Irish society, tackling key national issues such as domestic and gender-based abuse, the development of our natural energy resources, and opening new pathways into higher education for professional learners and under-represented groups.”
The awards were based on an evaluation of 18 Impact Case Studies submitted by higher education institutions (HEIs) to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in April 2022.
UCD Energy Institute was recognised for its leadership in developing research talent and supporting policy for the decarbonisation of energy in Ireland and internationally.
UCD Case Study
As documented in UCD's successful Case Study submission, UCD Energy Insitute and its central programme Next Generation Energy Systems (NexSys), is bringing together researchers, key industry actors, policymakers and communities to resolve the challenges of a just transition to a decarbonised system. This work builds on the strong foundations of the Energy Systems Integration Partnership Programme (ESIPP), funded by SFI and industry (2016-21).
The programme successfully developed a strong talent pipeline of doctoral, postdoctoral and early career faculty in the internationally competitive and growing area of sustainable energy systems. ESIPP academics provided analytical support to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, and their research outputs supported actions by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The ESIPP programme also contributed to major climate dialogues including the Dublin Climate Dialogues and the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).
Impact achieved
Creating a talent pipeline
Over the course of five short years, ESIPP delivered on its key objectives. The programme developed a strong pipeline of research talent impacting academic and industry sectors:
– 69 Masters graduates, 32 PhD graduates and 35 Postdoctoral fellows trained as system thinkers, applying a “whole-of-system approach” to the challenges of decarbonisation.
– 43% of trainee departures have moved to industry.
Influencing policy
ESIPP academics are shaping international energy policy and are directly involved in setting National policy.
– Provide analytical support to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, particularly for the Climate Action plan, and are consulted on climate policy decisions.
– Research outputs used by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in determining priority housing retrofit locations.
– Leadership of the Dublin Climate Dialogues, featuring keynote speakers John Kerry, Fatih Birol (International Energy Agency (IEA)), Mary Robinson, several Government ministers and leading figures from industry and academia. The conclusions of the Dublin Dialogues were formally presented to the UK COP26 Presidency as a direct input to the COP26 discussion.
Tools and Technologies developed through programme
The ESIPP is supporting decision making in industry with demand response models for the water sector, exploring the future role of the gas network and opportunities for green hydrogen as a fuel.
New technologies deployed through spin-out companies include NovoGrid (Keane), OxyMem (Casey, Syron), and VorTech Water Solutions (Clifford). For example, OxyMem technology saves 75% energy in wastewater treatment using a novel biofilm. The company already had a staff of 60 when it was acquired by DuPont in 2019.
Leading in Europe
– €8 million in EU funding received over the course of the programme
– ESIPP team members are the National Representatives for Ireland on multiple International Energy Agency Task Forces
– ESIPP team members participate in the European Energy Research Alliance Joint Programmes in Energy Systems Integration (EERA JP ESI) and Smart Grids (EERA JP SG), which are designed to develop the technical and economic framework that governments and industries need to build the future efficient and sustainable European energy system.
Engagement
The programme team engaged with policy makers and other stakeholders through their Insight Series and policy-seminar series, and with the public through several media engagements in print, online, radio and TV. Leading ESIPP academics such as Professor Andrew Keane and Professor Lisa Ryan were featured in National media such as the Irish Times, the Irish Examiner, RTE News and Ireland AM, ensuring extensive reach of the team’s expertise.
Working with communities
The programme assesses the impact of policies and decisions on communities, directly engaging with them on the impact of decarbonisation. For example, the closure of two peat fired power plants in the midlands affects around 4,000 jobs in one of the country’s poorest regions, resulting in an uncertain future for the workers, their families, and the communities.
UCD researchers worked with those affected on a study investigating the application of ‘Just Transition’ principles. A report was prepared, and shared with the Just Transition Commissioner and other key stakeholders, including the local community through local radio, Shannonside FM. A key concern from the community was the suddenness of the decision without an alternative plan for the future of the region. Research undertaken continues to be shared through peer-reviewed publications.
Learnings
Learnings from ESIPP have informed the development of its successor programme NexSys. For example, the demand for practical, higher technology readiness level (TRL) support for industry has led to the development of the Integrated Energy Lab. Recognising the importance of transport for decarbonisation of energy systems, it has been added to the programme, bringing new academic expertise to the team as well as new co-funding partners.
Other important learnings include the importance of an all-island approach to research bringing together academia, industry partners and policymakers; the need to support early career researchers through access to new funding and networks of collaborators and the need to address cost of living for PhDs students. In response, an internal researcher mobility scheme has been created, and the Energy Institute has provided a financial ‘top-up’ of €500 to PhD stipends, with 21 students benefiting.
Perfomance Funding
The funding awards can be used to expand and progress existing initiatives or put towards new initiatives that contribute towards national strategic imperatives. Oversight of the funding awarded will be managed by the HEA.
Dr Alan Wall, CEO of the HEA, commented: “I am delighted to see the success of these initiatives and the continuing commitment of our institutions to widening the reach and accessibility of higher education. I particularly commend the range of partnerships and networks forged across social and economic life, connecting the work and influence of higher education institutions with wider society. In recognising and supporting the public impact of institutions today, we are also gathering the learnings and experience that will inform the engaged initiatives of tomorrow.”
Other Recipients
Awards will also be made to Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, National University of Ireland, Galway, South-East Technological University, and University of Limerick.
Successful case studies have been published here on the HEA’s website.