€2.7m Scheme Launched to Decarbonise Gas Network

Research Ireland and Gas Networks Ireland have launched a €2.7 million research and innovation challenge aimed at advancing Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.

The Research Ireland – Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Challenge was officially announced on Wednesday and seeks to fund transformative STEM-based research projects focused on renewable gas, energy system integration, and artificial intelligence. The initiative is designed to support the decarbonisation of the national gas network, in line with Ireland’s 2045 net-zero targets.

The challenge will be delivered through a phased funding model and is open to multidisciplinary research teams across eligible Irish research bodies. Up to €200,000 will be awarded to successful teams during the initial stages, with a €1 million prize available for the project demonstrating the greatest potential for impact.

The programme is co-funded by Research Ireland and Gas Networks Ireland through its Gas Innovation Fund, with funding provided under the regulatory framework of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

Speaking at the launch, Celine Fitzgerald, interim chief executive of Research Ireland, said the partnership underscores both organisations’ commitment to supporting climate action through homegrown innovation.

“This challenge represents a significant opportunity to generate solutions that could accelerate the transition to renewable gas and contribute to national decarbonisation goals. We are excited to work with Gas Networks Ireland and invest in the talent driving Ireland’s research ecosystem.”

Bobby Gleeson, chief operations officer at Gas Networks Ireland, said the collaboration is aligned with the organisation’s strategy to deliver a net-zero gas network within the next two decades.

“This initiative is a strategic investment in the future of Ireland’s energy infrastructure. It aims to support high-impact research and foster scalable innovations in areas such as renewable gas integration and intelligent diagnostics.”

The challenge follows the structure of Research Ireland’s Future Innovator Prize – Sustainable Development Goals Challenge, and will be delivered in three phases:

• Concept phase (six months): up to €50,000 per team
• Seed phase (12 months): up to €150,000
• Prize phase (up to 24 months): one winning team will be awarded €1 million

Two overarching challenge themes have been identified:

1. Energy System Integration Challenge
   Focused on developing tools and technologies to enhance the optimisation and integration of the national energy system. This includes:
   • Local and regional integration of renewable gases
   • Use of artificial intelligence to improve diagnostics and network performance
2. Biomethane and Biohydrogen Challenge
   Aimed at improving the efficiency and commercial viability of renewable gas production, with a particular focus on:
   • Biomethane
   • Biohydrogen
     (including the extraction and use of by-products)

The call for applications is now open to eligible research institutions. Full application details and guidelines are available at: Research Ireland – Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Challenge.