Our partners and collaborators
Who we are
Shaping Ireland's Energy Future
FIESO (Future Irish Energy System Observatory) is a cutting-edge digital infrastructure that brings together real-time data, advanced simulations, and laboratory testing to understand and support Ireland's transition to a decarbonized energy system. We integrate existing energy dashboards with state-of-the-art research facilities at the Lir Laboratory, UCC, creating a comprehensive platform for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to visualize, analyze, and plan Ireland's energy future through 2030 and beyond.
Mission & vision
Our mission is to provide a one-stop observatory that synthesizes data from across Ireland's energy ecosystem, enabling evidence-based decision-making for a sustainable energy transition. We envision a future where renewable energy, green hydrogen, energy storage, and smart technologies work seamlessly together to deliver a secure, affordable, and zero-carbon energy system for all of Ireland.
Expected Results
FIESO will demonstrate how nearly 100% of curtailed wind power can be converted to green hydrogen, reduce green hydrogen costs by approximately 50% by 2030, and provide granular energy system models that support Ireland's climate targets. Our platform will deliver real-time insights into energy flows across all sectors and create detailed scenarios for evaluating the sustainability, cost, and resilience of future energy configurations.
Innovation & Technology Integration
FIESO goes beyond conventional energy modelling by integrating laboratory-based testing of emerging technologies not yet deployed at scale. Our unique co-simulation testbed at the Lir Laboratory combines a floating offshore wind turbine, hydrogen electrolyser, fuel cells, and battery storage through Power Hardware in the Loop (PHIL) technology, enabling us to test real equipment in simulated future power system scenarios and develop robust control strategies for hybrid energy systems.
Our goals
Driving Ireland's Energy Transformation Through Innovation and Collaboration
FIESO is built on three interconnected pillars that address the critical challenges of transitioning to a decarbonized energy system. By combining comprehensive data integration, cutting-edge hydrogen research, and robust scenario modelling, we provide the tools and insights needed to support Ireland's ambitious climate targets while ensuring energy security and affordability.
Data Integration
Creating a comprehensive digital infrastructure that unifies Ireland's energy data landscape into a single, accessible platform for real-time monitoring and analysis.
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Integrate existing dashboards including Eirgrid's Smart Grid Dashboard and Irish Building Stock Observatory
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Synthesize static, dynamic, and real-time data streams from across all energy sectors
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Provide granular energy profiles for 2030 and beyond to support accurate system modelling
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Enable collaborative research through open access to curated datasets and visualization tools
Hydrogen Innovation
Advancing green hydrogen production and integration through laboratory testing and optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems.
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Demonstrate conversion of curtailed wind power into green hydrogen using novel control approaches
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Optimize hybrid wind-hydrogen-battery storage systems for maximum efficiency and reliability
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Test multiple electrolyser configurations to determine optimal sizing and operation strategies
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Reduce green hydrogen production costs by approximately 50% through improved system design
Future Scenarios
Developing and evaluating plausible pathways for Ireland's energy system to achieve decarbonization targets with high renewable penetration.
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Create detailed scenarios for 2030, 2040, and 2050 energy system configurations
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Assess sustainability, cost, and resilience of different technology combinations
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Evaluate grid integration challenges including frequency stability and network constraints
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Support evidence-based policy decisions for renewable electricity strategies and storage deployment
Investing in the digital future.
FIESO represents a strategic investment in Ireland's energy infrastructure, combining cutting-edge digital tools with world-class laboratory facilities. By developing advanced real-time simulations, integrating diverse data streams, and creating digital twins of future energy systems, we're building the foundation for smart, data-driven energy decisions. This digital transformation enables stakeholders across the energy sector—from grid operators to policymakers—to visualize complex scenarios, optimize system performance, and unlock the full potential of renewable resources, energy storage, and emerging technologies like green hydrogen for a sustainable, resilient energy future.
