Taoiseach Enda Kenny formally launched University College Dublin's new Energy Institute.

The Institute has attracted donor funding of €5m and substantial additional funding from industry.

The Institute will concentrate its research on Energy Systems Integration which provides the basis for enhanced energy performance, reduced cost and minimises environmental impact – a challenge across the world. It will partner in a major national initiative designed to produce a fully operational Smart Grid Network Test Bed in close collaboration with Ireland's electricity transmission and distribution system operators EirGrid and ESB Networks. The Test Bed will also provide opportunities for further collaboration with national and international companies in the energy sector and in the ICT sector. The integration of renewable energy to electricity grids is a strategically important research area for Ireland given its wealth of renewable energy resources and Ireland’s electricity grid is uniquely positioned to be utilised as an international location for testing new technologies.

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An Taoiseach said: "We are at an exciting juncture in energy research. With the right ideas, talent and support, the next decade has the potential to be transformative in how Ireland produces, uses and transmits energy. UCD's new Energy Institute will prove an invaluable resource in solving our energy challenges and realising new opportunities. This initiative clearly demonstrates the ability of our public institutions to work together and with other stakeholders in pursuit of common goals and scientific excellence."

(CD)