Two projects involving UCD receive share of €2.6m for renewable gas and energy innovation
25 February 2026
UCD researchers are co-leading on two projects funded under the new Research Ireland – Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Challenge.
€2.6 million in phased funding has been announced for five research teams focused on renewable gas production, energy system integration and intelligent gas network technologies.
The Research Ireland – Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Challenge brings together leading academic researchers with industry expertise to develop practical, scalable solutions for Ireland’s future energy needs, while contributing to climate and energy security objectives.
The projects involving UCD that received funding are:
DIGIGAS - A GeoAI-Powered Digital Twin of Ireland’s Renewable Gas Infrastructure for Dynamic Decarbonisation Planning
- Lead: Dr Abdalkarim Gharbia, Atlantic Technological University
- Co-Lead: Dr Nasim Eslamirad, UCD School of Architecture Planning and Environmental Policy
This project uses advanced mapping AI, satellite data, and digital twin technology to help Ireland move toward cleaner energy.
“This funding enables us to work closely with industry partners to develop practical, data-driven tools that can enhance renewable gas integration, improve methane monitoring, and strengthen infrastructure resilience,” said Dr Eslamirad.
“We are proud to contribute research that supports national decarbonisation goals while advancing innovation in digital energy systems.”
BIOGRID: Biogas Methanation to Grid-quality Biomethane using Intensified Reactors
- Lead: Professor Vivek Ranade, University of Limerick
- Co-Lead: (opens in a new window)Dr Recep Dereli, UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering
This project is developing a new technology to turn carbon dioxide from biogas and renewable hydrogen into clean, grid-ready biomethane.
By capturing carbon that would otherwise be wasted and converting it into renewable fuel, the project aims to support Ireland’s biomethane goals and make biogas production more efficient and sustainable.
“Over the past decade, UCD has built substantial expertise in anaerobic digestion, biomethanation, and biological resource recovery, creating a strong foundation for innovation and industry collaboration. This accumulated knowledge positions UCD as a key contributor to Ireland’s biomethane strategy and the wider decarbonisation of the gas network,” said Dr Dereli.
“The support from Research Ireland and Gas Networks Ireland will allow us to further develop scalable and practical solutions while strengthening Ireland’s research capacity in sustainable bioenergy systems and circular carbon utilisation.”
A key aspect of the challenge is the close collaboration between researchers and Gas Networks Ireland, ensuring innovations are grounded in real-world system needs.
Each team will work with a dedicated Gas Networks Ireland liaison, supporting the development, testing and validation of solutions with the potential for deployment at scale.
By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
