THE SHANNON region is to become home to a “green energy hub” following the signing of an agreement in Silicon Valley yesterday between the University of Limerick (UL), the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), Shannon Development and the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG).
The agreement was announced at the opening of the Irish Innovation Centre in San Jose overnight. The memorandum of understanding signed between the four parties commits them to creating activities in the region around sustainable energy, in order to support job creation and the creation of green start-up companies. It is intended that the Shannon Energy Valley will reduce Ireland’s carbon footprint, and start the country on the road towards energy self-sufficiency.
It is hoped the initiative will also attract international research and development groups to carry out their work in the region. As part of the deal, both universities will develop additional courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level in specialised energy disciplines.
“Ireland is surrounded by natural resources in the form of wind, wave, tidal, solar and local geothermal energy,” said Prof Brian Fitzgerald, vice-president of research at UL. “This is a major opportunity for Ireland to become a leader in energy research while also maximising our resources, and in turn, creating sustainable green collar jobs.”
The launch was also attended by Prof Terry Smith, NUI Galway’s vice-president for research, and Vincent Cunnane, chief executive of Shannon Development.
