Third-level students across Ireland are being encouraged to apply for EirGrid's CleanerGrid competition.
With a top prize of €12,000, EirGrid is calling on third-level students across Galway to submit applications for the third annual CleanerGrid competition. Finalists will receive cash prizes for both them and their third-level institute with first-place winner will receive a €6,000 cash prize (+€6,000 for their third-level institute ), with €3,000 (+€3,000 for their third-level institute ) for second place and €1,500 (+€1,500 for their third-level institute ), for third place.
For this year’s theme 'Opportunities and challenges in accelerating offshore wind potential', students are asked to propose innovative, practical solutions that address both the opportunities and obstacles in developing Ireland’s offshore electricity infrastructure. Submissions may reflect each student’s discipline or interests, whether in engineering, policy, economics, environmental science, data, or another field, and should offer fresh, actionable ideas that contribute meaningfully to Ireland’s clean energy future.
The competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, below PhD level, from all disciplines at any third-level institution in the Republic of Ireland. Students can register as individuals or as part of a team of up to six members, and interdisciplinary teams are welcome.
Following assessment of all submissions, the top entrants will be invited to EirGrid’s head offices to present their innovations to industry experts, including members of the EirGrid senior management team.
In 2024, twenty-three teams representing 170 students from sixty-six courses across eight universities submitted their projects to the competition.
Speaking at the launch of the competition, EirGrid’s Chief Transformation, Technology and Offshore Officer Liam Ryan said that "Ireland’s future as a global leader in clean energy depends upon the insights, passion and engagement of our future leaders".
"Offshore wind is central to our net-zero journey and the ideas and innovation of students, will be vital in unlocking its full potential. This competition is an exciting opportunity for the next generation to contribute ideas that could power Ireland’s cleaner energy future. We look forward to seeing the entries from students and wish all entrants the best of luck," Ryan added.
Applications are now open, and details are available at EirGrid.ie/CleanerGrid Aspiring applicants have until November 19 to submit their application forms.
