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Bord Gáis Chief Executive, John Mullins, has announced
a significant investment of €10 million in the area of
alternative energy research and development.
The announcement - made at the Cork Chamber Spring Networks
Luncheon - comes on the crest of a new strategic era for Bord
Gáis, as it plans to invest €750 million in the
area of electricity and renewable energy (Click
Here).
Speaking at the event, Mr Mullins said - "Climate change
is a challenge that we must all meet. 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. 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."
Mr Mullins added - "Bord Gáis has embraced the
intentions of the Energy White Paper. We have a critical role
as a leading energy concern to champion innovative gas utilisation,
new low-carbon technologies and to support research, development
and innovation in energy applications."
Mr. Mullins also highlighted the fact that Ireland currently
has a shortage of engineers and scientists in its universities.
"In particular, support must be given for 4th-level research
across a number of economically important areas" - he
said.
Bord Gáis intends - through the establishment of this
research and development fund - to support an increase in
the quantity and quality of research in alternative energies
in Ireland's colleges. It also intends to invest in campus/technology
companies in prototyping and bringing technologies to market.
One such collaboration, already underway, is with the Civil
and Environmental Engineering Department of University College
Cork - through funding a PhD fellowship in energy research.
The funded project will explore scenarios for compressed bio-methane/natural
gas penetration against the context of Ireland's growing transport
energy demand to 2020 and 2050.
"It is hoped that this new €10 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" - added
Mr. Mullins.
Bord Gáis has stated that it would welcome submissions
from indigenous technology companies, research and development
foundations and colleges. To contact Bord Gáis in the
first instance - Click
Here
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