Today marks the launch of the Tyndall Energy Series, a four‑part showcase of the groundbreaking research shaping Ireland’s clean energy future. Over the coming weeks, we’ll highlight the innovative projects supported through SEAI’s National Energy Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Programme, each contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
Tyndall National Institute has secured six SEAI‑funded RD&D projects, all now underway. These successes demonstrate Tyndall’s leadership in sustainable innovation and our commitment to delivering impactful solutions for Ireland’s energy transition.
Among the funded initiatives is BEST-IRE, a pioneering project focused on transforming public transport through the integration of battery electric buses into the transport and electricity systems of Ireland. The project will deliver a comprehensive evaluation and strategic roadmap for electric bus implementation, addressing both investment planning and life cycle cost assessment.
The project will present methodology to develop a strategic roadmap for battery electric buses in Ireland, guiding investment decisions and assessing long-term costs. It will also develop a smart decision-making tool to support the planning and placement of charging infrastructure, ensuring efficient integration with Ireland’s transport and electricity networks. This includes optimising bus routing, maximising renewable energy use, and maintaining grid stability through advanced modelling.
In addition, the research team plans to create a dynamic transit charge management system to monitor charging patterns and provide local flexibility for enhanced grid management. The project will also assess how electric buses can improve first and last-mile mobility, propose innovative business models for stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors, and recommend policy frameworks that support electric buses and renewable energy integration. Methodology will be implemented at both the urban and rural community levels to ensure broad replicability.
Dr Pádraig Lyons, Head of Group, IERC, based at Tyndall said:
Electrifying an expanding bus fleet is a huge opportunity to decarbonise Ireland’s transport systems and improve the quality of life for people living in urban and rural areas. The BEST-IRE project will develop innovative methodology and tools to address the challenges to infrastructure, associated with this exciting new technology.
Coming Up: Powering Irish Industry
Next week, the series turns to the business community, where SEAI‑funded projects like ACTIVATE and INNOV8HEAT aim to help companies cut costs, boost efficiency and stay competitive as energy pressures intensify.
