Niche Subject: Technology and Climate Change

What is a technology gateway in EU terms?

a specialized program that connects businesses to technological research institutes to facilitate innovation and development in technology sectors

What two institutes co-finance the Gateway program?

Irish government and the EU

What fund is the Gateway program funded with?

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Who are the main users of the Irish Gateway program?

Medium and Small businesses (SME's, Small and Medium Enterprises)

When was the Irish Technology Gateway Programme started? State why.

2013 to encourage communication between Irish industry and institutes

What has the Irish Technology Gateway Programme done since it's creation in 2013?

The programme has provided over 4,500 companies in Ireland with access to resources and facilities in the Technological Universities and the institutes of Technology

How many technology gateways are there in Ireland?

17

When was new funding announced for the Irish Technology Gateway Programme? State how much.

6th June, 2023. An extra 47 million in funding. (along with setting up the 17th Gateway)

How long is the Irish Technology Gateway Programme meant to continue for?

Till 2029

What is the Irish Technology Gateway Programme a part of?

EU Cohesion POLICY Fund

How much money will Ireland receiver from the EU Cohesion Policy Fund?

1.4 billion euro

What is the goal of the Climate Action Fund?

To assist and finance projects that will help Ireland achieve its climate goals. Lasts up till 2027 and at least 500 million is being put toward it

What is the 'Schools Photovoltaic Programme'?

23rd November, 2023. Set up by Norma Foley as a part of Budget 2023. Aims to put 6kwh solar panels (15-16) on the roof of every eligible school.

What is the EU LIFE Programme?

It a programme that aims to fund projects that align and will help the EU's climate policies and goals.

Name the new energy company that provides heat to homes in Dublin via excess heat from the Amazon Data Centre in the area

Tallaght District Heating Network and Energy Centre

What does the Tallaght District Heating Network and Energy Centre do?

It uses excess heat from an Amazon Webservices data centre to heat a local library, South Dublin County Council headquarters, TU Dublin's Tallaght Campus and 133 apartments

How much did the Tallaght District Heating and Energy Network cost?

Name the 32 million euro gas facility in Ireland that aims to inject biomethane into the National Grid

Mitchelstown Biomethane Central Grid Injection facility

What will the Mitchelstown Biomethane Central Grid Injection facility help do? (Name 2 things)

It will help the Government reach its 2030 biomethane targets and also open up a new revenue for some Irish farmers

What are the pros of 3D printing homes?

It uses less materials as you only print what you need, less waste (don't need concrete molds), don't need to transport as much to site, can choose a variety of shape for the buildings, reduces labour and build time (according to Dundalk builders)

What are the cons of 3D printing?

Need to transform building design to a printable version, limit on materials and build size, could lead to job loss

What does the Dundalk 3D house printer do?

It follows a digital blueprint to form concrete cavity walls without the need for concrete blocks

What is the name of the Dundalk building firm who is doing this 3D printing?

Harcourt Technologies (HTL)

What do Harcourt technologies say about the effect this has on building?

Reduces construction time by 25%-30% and reduces labour needed by 1/3. (creates cost benefit if construction time and labour need is lower.)

What can e-fuel be made into?

Petrol, diesel, jet fuel, lubricants and wax

What industries is e-fuel the only sustainable alternative?

Aviation and shipping (haven't found an electric alternative way)

How are e-fuels made?

By passing electricity from renewable sources through water. This uses large amounts of energy - almost 5 times as much compared to electric cars

What deal are e-fuels a part of?

They are allowed in the EU Green Deal's goal to phase-out fossil fuel cars by 2035.

How many hydrogen re-fuelling stations are there in Ireland?

One (Belfast, plan to have 80 by 2030)

What is the name of the company lobbying for hydrogen stations in Ireland?

Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (HMI)

What do Hydrogen Mobility Ireland say investing in hydrogen fuels could do for us?

Could generate 6 billion in investment, create 640 long-term jobs and cut carbon transport emissions by 260,000 tonnes each year

What are the pros of E-fuel?

no need to get a new vehicle, it works seamlessly with diesel/petrol cars. Also good alternative for aviation and maritime industry that struggle with electrical alternatives

What are the cons of E-fuel?

High production costs (requires lots of energy made by renewable sources) and aren't ass efficient as electric cars in turns of amount of energy actually used to make the vehicles move