Millions of euros are to be invested in more than 40 innovative energy projects across Ireland.

Environment Minister Denis Naughten has announced €8 million in Government funding to support 45 schemes in companies and research institutions across Ireland.

Key schemes include a project led by Dr Miriam Byrne in NUI Galway, which involves working in collaboration with researchers in University College Dublin (UCD) to investigate the effectiveness of ventilation systems in A-rated energy efficient homes. The study will monitor air quality in 100 A-rated homes and assess the comfort and satisfaction of homeowners.

Elsewhere, SSE Airtricity are working with Centre for Advanced Data Analytics Research (CeADAR) at UCD to employ state of the art Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimise renewable energy producers forecasting ability. The aim of the project is to reduce volatility in the wholesale energy market making it more cost effective for renewable energy producers to participate and ultimately lower energy prices for consumers.

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In addition, Gas Networks Ireland, IFA, ICMAS, Teagasc, and a number of other community groups, local authorities and academics are working on plans to develop a model for regional anaerobic digester (AD) clusters. If successful, the model will facilitate access to the gas network and diversify income streams for farmers.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is responsible for awarding the funding to the 45 projects, which range in duration from one to four years.

Minister Naughten said: "Research and innovation are central pillars of the Government's National Energy and Climate Plan. I have secured increased levels of funding for investment in energy research through SEAI.

"I am determined to see this fund grow significantly over the coming years to develop innovative solutions. This type of government funding significantly helps businesses and research institutions in the energy sector in Ireland to conduct world class research that will create jobs, build capacity and support innovation in clean energy."

Jim Gannon, Chief Executive Officer of SEAI, said: "New solutions and new technologies are central to achieving a sustainable energy future for Ireland. With direct involvement from industry, academia and local enterprises, the 45 projects we are funding will deliver real solutions to problems that the energy sector is facing today.

"These projects will facilitate innovation in the energy market, inform policy, and develop the technical solutions we need to create a thriving and efficient clean energy sector."

(LM)