Atlantic Technological University’s (ATU) campus in Letterkenny has recently unveiled its state-of-the-art biomass heat centre, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to enhance the institution’s environmental friendliness. The biomass heat centre utilizes renewable energy derived from organic sources such as wood, poultry litter, and straw, all of which are by-products from various industries. The facility has the potential to provide heat to a significant portion of one of the campus’s main buildings, effectively reducing its carbon footprint while ensuring a more sustainable future.
ATU’s ambitious biomass heat centre project was made possible by a generous €1.9 million funding from the Government through the Energy Efficiency Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme for Higher Education, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The programme, which began in 2017, aims to support universities in implementing renewable energy measures and retrofitting plans, ultimately paving the way for a cleaner and greener future.
Ciarán McCaffrey, the head of capital programs at the HEA, emphasized the importance of this energy efficiency initiative. The goal is to aid the higher education sector in achieving its climate action targets while expanding the knowledge base surrounding renewable technologies, energy efficiency improvements, and carbon reduction measures.
Minister of State Ossian Smyth expressed his satisfaction in seeing another university benefit from the programme, highlighting the positive impact it would have on the academic and environmental landscapes. Dr Orla Flynn, president of ATU, commended the opening of the biomass heat centre as a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards sustainable energy practices. It exemplifies ATU’s commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in energy efficiency.
It is worth noting that ATU is not alone in its pursuit of innovative solutions for renewable energy. Munster Technological University (MTU) is actively involved in the BBioNets research project, focusing on assisting farmers and foresters in adopting biobased technologies to reduce their emissions and foster a more sustainable agricultural sector.
The successful establishment of ATU’s biomass heat centre signifies a significant step forward in transforming the campus into a hub of sustainability and renewable energy research. By showcasing innovative initiatives, universities like ATU are leading the way in creating a more environmentally conscious future for generations to come.
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The source of the article is from the blog zaman.co.at