Winner

Energy Policy and Modelling Group CAPACITY Project

Team

• Professor Brian Ó Gallachóir
• Professor Hannah Daly
• Dr. Fionn Rogan
• Dr. Paul Deane
• Dr. Vahid Aryanpur
• Dr. Tomas Mac Uidhir
• Aisling Murphy
• Bakytzhan Suleimenov 

Affiliation: Sustainability Institute

Purpose of Research

The purpose of the CAPACITY project is to provide evidence-based, data-driven pathways for Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Through advanced energy systems modelling, the project explores sectoral decarbonisation strategies, assesses the impact of policy measures, and offers actionable insights to policymakers. By aligning with global climate goals, including the Paris Agreement, CAPACITY aims to support Ireland in meeting its 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation targets. The project enhances the evidence base for sustainable energy policies, fostering a collaborative approach between academia, government, and industry to drive impactful climate action.

Research Activities in 2024

In 2024, CAPACITY has significantly contributed to national and international sustainability efforts, reinforcing UCC’s leadership in sustainability research: 
 
Policy Impact:  
 
CAPACITY directly informed several national policies, including: 

• Climate Action Plan 2024
• State of the Environment Report 2024
• Ireland’s Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) 2021-2030
• Ireland’s Climate Change Assessment Report
• National Energy Demand Strategy Decision Paper

Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Over 180 meetings with government departments, regulatory bodies, and industry representatives.
• Collaboration with 150 policymakers on energy modelling tools and policy implementation.
• Hosted a Research Showcase event, engaging 115 policymakers, industry leaders, and NGOs.
• Developed 8 policy briefs and participated in 12 stakeholder workshops.

Research Excellence and Dissemination: 

• Published 16 high-impact academic outputs, including contributions to Energy Strategy Reviews, Nature, and Applied Energy.
• Extensive media outreach with 180 interviews and features in RTÉ News, The Irish Times, and Newstalk. 

Partnerships and Collaborations: 

• Established 32 new partnerships, including with the Department of Transport, Friends of the Earth, and international institutions such as UiT Norway.
• Strengthened collaboration with Irish political parties and the Climate Change Advisory Council.

Capacity Building and Talent Retention:

• Addressed the challenge of researcher contract instability by securing 4-to-5-year contracts for key team members.
• Encouraged young researchers through mentorship and direct engagement in high-impact projects. 

Innovative Communication Strategies: 

• Introduced concise, actionable policy briefs, making research findings more accessible to decision-makers.
• Developed infographics and short reports to streamline complex modelling insights for policy applications. 

Tangible Sustainability Outcomes:

• Advanced Ireland’s decarbonisation strategies through enhancements to energy systems models, including aviation decarbonisation and 2040 EU climate targets.
• Direct contributions to national strategies, helping shape Ireland’s roadmap for achieving 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

Description of SDGs Impact: 
 
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy 
The project directly supports the transition to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions in Ireland. Through advanced energy systems modelling, CAPACITY identifies low-carbon energy pathways and assesses the integration of renewable energy into Ireland’s energy mix. By providing evidence-based recommendations on energy policy, the project promotes the adoption of clean energy technologies, contributing to increasing the share of renewables in the energy system (Target 7.2). At the national level, these insights help guide Ireland's energy policies toward achieving its 2030 decarbonisation targets and broader EU climate goals.
 
SDG 13: Climate Action 
CAPACITY plays a key role in driving climate action by addressing Ireland’s climate mitigation challenges. By providing actionable, data-driven policy insights through energy systems models like TIMES and LEAP, the project enables effective integration of climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (Target 13.2). The project's impact is felt at the national level by informing Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and contributing to the development of policies that guide the country’s decarbonisation efforts through 2030 and beyond. On an international level, the project aligns with global climate targets, such as those set in the Paris Agreement, by modeling pathways for Ireland to meet its emission reduction commitments and supporting international collaboration on climate change mitigation.

Through its interdisciplinary approach and extensive stakeholder engagement, the CAPACITY project fosters significant contributions to sustainable energy development and climate action, influencing both national climate and energy policies.