Minister Martin announces €90 million to target world-class research capacity in the area of sustainable energy and energy efficient technologies

Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin T.D, has today (6^th March 2008) announced an allocation of €90 million to target a world-class research capacity through Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) in the area of sustainable energy and energy technologies over the period to 2013.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to amend the remit of SFI to include a third research pillar in these areas. Agreement has now been reached between the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on the principles and funding to be targeted through SFI in fulfilment of this commitment.

Speaking at the Energy Forum 2008, Minister Martin said “ It is important that the opportunities and challenges in the energy field are underpinned by the knowledge, understanding and the human capital that investment in world-class research can provide. SFI has an excellent track record in developing Strategic Research Clusters and Centres working alongside industry partners and these opportunities will now be extended to sustainable energy and energy efficiency technologies.”

The Minister added “ I welcome this co-operative approach between both Departments for securing our energy needs into the future and we will be working actively to secure an early launch of SFI calls in this area”.

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