Bord Gáis is to support alternative energy research and development projects in Ireland through a EUR10 million fund in an effort to bring technologies to market and overcome a shortage of engineering skills in the industry.
The Irish utility’s new fund is in addition to the company’s own plans to invest some EUR750 million in alternative energy to help fulfil its ambition of expanding its base in electricity supply.
Bord Gáis, a state-owned entity whose main business is gas supply across Ireland, has invited applications for the new fund from indigenous technology companies, research and development foundations and colleges. The fund will support a wide range of new technologies.
“Continuing support for proven technologies such as wind, biomass and solar is important and Bord Gáis will be investing in these technologies in the coming years,” said CEO John Mullins. “However, there is also a need to support ongoing research in newer technologies such as wave, tidal, fuel cells, micro CHP and biogas so that our future energy requirements are secured in the most cost-effective and environmentally-sensitive way.”
Bord Gáis has already undertaken a collaborative research programme covering the transport sector with University College Cork, and believes that the new fund will improve the quantity and quality of research in alternative energy technologies in Ireland and help to overcome the shortage of engineers and scientists in the country’s universities.
“In particular, support must be given for 4th level research across a number of economically important areas,” said Mullins. “It is hoped that this new EUR10 million R&D investment will assist in the strengthening of our economy by providing necessary alternative sources of energy and through the development of pioneering engineering talent.”
Bord Gáis is planning to expand its electricity supply business through the construction of new generating capacity. It is currently building a new 445 MW natural gas combined cycle power plant at Whitegate, Co. Cork, and is also aiming to boost electricity supplies through investment in wind and other renewable energy projects.
The company currently supplies electricity to business customers representing around eight per cent of Ireland’s market and is aiming expand into the residential market.
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