Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:59. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the SEAI National Energy Research Development and Demonstration Funding Programme will be awarded. [59486/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 1 December 2021
Ceisteanna (59)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Energy Research Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Outline call timelines are indicated on the SEAI website, with grant awards expected from Q4 2021, full details at: www.seai.ie/grants/research-funding/research-development-and-demonstration-fund/The 2021 Call received a significant increase in applications, demonstrating the strong demand for energy research funding in Ireland. Award announcements are expected imminently. I have been advised by SEAI that funding recommendations have been finalised, within the eligible programme budget, and are at the final stages of the approval process.The National Energy RD&D Funding Programme has grown from attracting between €1-2 million in annual applications pre-2018, to almost €30 million in the most recent previous call and increasing again significantly in 2021 to more than €60 million. This is a significant step change for the programme. Concurrent enhancements to processes, IT systems, and resourcing, have been a key focus in 2021 to ensure the programme can continue to grow and scale going forward, to support national energy research and innovation, ensuring maximum impact for the Irish energy sector