With the current development of the European Energy transition, disruptive technologies are being developed in several countries aligned with current renewable technologies to reach the targeted fossil-independent Europe. The SolEir group acts as an important Irish national-level hub for the development of a market of green fuels and chemicals produced using sustainable chemical processes, including solar-driven ones, aiming for a large-scale production in the coming years.

Our vision is bringing these technologies to higher Technological Readiness Levels (TRL) as soon as possible, and, for this important mission, we need the support of all stakeholders involved - from Research Centres and industries to consumers. By creating this network, we intend to increase the scientific expertise, attract funding, represent the sector and its community´s research and innovation priorities, incentivise innovative scientific and technical approaches, and develop substantially these technologies. We must act now and take our place at this important juncture and ‘moment of momentum’ in the “energy-transition” - defining priorities and bringing visibility to this group and its members by supporting coordinated communication and dissemination activities, and, of course, more.”

A selection of the following institutes/members are involved, although others also are (UL Maynooth University – see map below), and the network is currently expanding its membership:

• UCD – Niall English, Ravi Thampi, James Sullivan, Demetra Achilleos, Veronica Sofianous
• NUI Galway – Pau Farras
• TCD – Graeme Watson, Wolfgang Schmitt, Max Garcia Melchor
• IT Sligo – Pillai Suresh
• DCU – Mary Price
• Tyndall Institute – Michael Nolan