Professor Vivek Ranade from the University of Limerick (UL) will lead a new project under the "Irish Research - Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Challenge" framework. This €2.6 million initiative funds five Irish research teams to advance the development of renewable gas production, energy system integration, and smart gas network technologies.

Among the funded projects, the BIOGRID project is led by Professor Vivek Ranade from UL's Department of Chemical Sciences and the Bernal Institute, with collaboration from Dr. Recep Dereli of University College Dublin. This project focuses on converting Ireland's biowaste into biomethane that meets grid specifications, utilizing methods including anaerobic digestion and ex-situ biomethanation driven by renewable hydrogen.

The BIOGRID project targets biowaste streams such as agricultural residues, food processing sludge, and surplus silage to unlock untapped biomethane potential. It addresses critical issues in Ireland's clean energy transition, including achieving national biomethane production targets, optimizing the use of surplus renewable electricity, and providing clean, local energy solutions for rural and agricultural communities.

Professor Ranade emphasized the project's importance, noting it enables Ireland to sustainably utilize bio-resources, reduce emissions, and enhance energy security. According to UL.ie, the Innovation Challenge emphasizes close, ongoing collaboration with Gas Networks Ireland. Each team will work with a dedicated industry liaison to ensure new technologies are developed, tested, and validated for practical application.