Five Teams Secure €2.6 Million for Renewable Gas Innovations

On February 23, 2026, five research teams received a total of €2.6 million in funding as part of the co-funded Research Ireland – Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Challenge. This initiative aims to advance renewable gas production, enhance energy system integration, and develop intelligent gas network technologies across Ireland.

The selected teams are tasked with creating solutions to improve the efficiency, efficacy, and commercial viability of biomethane and biohydrogen production. Their projects will also focus on accelerating the integration of renewable gases into the Irish energy framework and developing artificial intelligence-based solutions for diagnosing gas network performance.

Commitment to Decarbonisation

Dr. Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, emphasized the significance of this research in supporting Ireland’s journey toward decarbonisation. He stated, “The research these teams are undertaking will support Ireland on the path to decarbonisation. Cross-sector collaboration is vital for Ireland to meet its national commitments to be climate-neutral by 2050.” He also highlighted that embedding end users and engaging with key stakeholders from the outset will help ensure tangible impacts from the research.

Dr. O’Brien expressed optimism about the teams’ progress over the coming months, reinforcing the importance of actionable solutions in addressing climate challenges.

Driving Innovation and Resilience

Bobby Gleeson, Chief Operations Officer at Gas Networks Ireland, described the funded projects as “innovation in action.” He noted that they represent a shift from cutting-edge research to practical solutions that will strengthen Ireland’s energy system, enhance resilience, and support the country’s transition to net-zero emissions.

Gleeson added, “Supporting key research through our Gas Innovation Fund and working directly with these teams allows us to accelerate the development of technologies that will help decarbonise Ireland’s gas network while enabling the integration of renewable gases at scale.”

The funding initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing Ireland’s energy landscape and its commitment to sustainability. As these teams embark on their projects, the potential for impactful advancements in renewable gas technologies remains promising.