National electricity grid operator EirGrid has become the new Climate Action and Energy partner with non-profit organisation, Young Social Innovators (YSI).

Young Social Innovators empowers and supports young people to develop and implement innovative ideas to bring about positive social change for the benefit of people, communities and the environment. Over the past 20 years, some 150,000 teenagers have taken part in YSI's social innovation programmes in post primary schools nationally.

This new three-year partnership will see EirGrid serve as YSI's Challenge Partner under its Environment Pillar. Along with this, a 'Climate Action and Energy' award will be created for the Young Social Innovators of the Year Ireland Awards 2022.

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Speaking about the partnership, EirGrid's Head of Public Engagement, Sinead Dooley said: "EirGrid is transforming the power system for future generations, and with that in mind we believe it is incredibly important to listen to and involve young people who are the driving force behind climate action efforts.

"At EirGrid we engage for better outcomes for all and we recognise the value of creating a dialogue with the wider society. Going forward EirGrid intends to engage a broad range of stakeholders in in-depth, meaningful discussions about the future and the role of the grid. With this partnership we hope to learn a lot from young people across the island of Ireland and that we are challenged and inspired by their innovative ideas."

Rachel Collier, Co-founder and CEO, Young Social Innovators added: "We are delighted to announce this exciting new partnership with EirGrid, focused on what is undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing us globally. How we can live and consume more sustainably is a key question and one that young people can contribute to. This new award, in partnership with EirGrid, will recognise young people's efforts to innovate around climate action and energy and will empower and engage them in being a vital part of the solutions needed."