A research team based in NUI Galway was among the winners at the 2020 SEAI Energy Awards.
The VorTech research team took home the Excellence in Energy Research and Innovation Award and a €10,000 bursary at the online awards ceremony.
The team’s VorTech technology looks at ways of treating water by using less energy and a spin-out company has been formed, VorTech Water Solutions, which aims to deliver energy savings at wastewater treatment plants both in Ireland and abroad.
“We are delighted to win the Research and Innovation award at this year’s SEAI Energy Awards,” said Eoghan Clifford, Senior Lecturer at NUI Galway.
“Research plays a fundamental role at NUI Galway from a teaching point of view and by helping us to solve some of society’s challenges through the development of the next generation of technologies.
“The VorTech team’s technology and research looks at ways to treat wastewater using far less energy and improving environmental performance. The technology was launched this year and we already have plans diversify.
“This is exciting not just in terms of the research but also in terms of the formation of our company as we are able to target new markets into the future.”
A total of ten awards were presented to individuals, businesses, communities, and public sector organisations in recognition of their commitment and dedication to sustainable energy and climate action. The online awards ceremony was hosted by broadcast journalist, Andrea Gilligan, who was joined by Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan T.D. for a special interview.
