Construction BUSINESS

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and ESB have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework of strategic collaboration that will include three key areas – Research and Development, Talent Promotion and Diversity and Inclusion. TU Dublin President, Professor David FitzPatrick, and ESB Deputy Chief Executive, Jerry O’Sullivan announced the partnership at a recent celebratory event hosted by Ireland’s newest University in Grangegorman.

ESB and TU Dublin will explore areas of mutual interest under each of the headings covered by the MoU. For example, under Research and Development, discussions will take place around the development and operation of Electric Vehicle Fast Charging infrastructure across Ireland, real-time wind generation, and energy market modelling and battery storage.

Both parties will also focus on talent development activities, including the development of new academic programmes in power plant technology and an examination of professional roles and employability of future engineers. They will also investigate potential co-operative initiatives aimed at encouraging Diversity and Inclusion in STEM education and the workplace, building on current programmes such as TU Dublin’s ESTEeM – a mentoring programme for young women studying STEM subjects.

Speaking at the MoU launch event in Grangegorman, President of Technological University Dublin, Professor David FitzPatrick outlined the value of the strategic partnership with ESB. “TU Dublin welcomes this new opportunity to work with ESB on a range of innovative projects delivering quality research outputs, nurturing a pipeline of new talent in the key areas of Engineering and related disciplines, and encouraging a diverse and inclusive student population and working environment. To date, our close working relationship with ESB has been very fruitful. One example would be the introduction of the very successful Access to Apprenticeship – a 12-week taster programme for young people who may find it difficult to access an apprenticeship due to social and economic barriers, and we are pleased to see our relationship strengthen further with the announcement.”

Jerry O’Sullivan, Deputy Chief Executive of ESB, said: “ESB is once again proud to collaborate with Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) to support the delivery of important programmes and research projects, as well as nurturing the next generation of innovators and creators. This collaboration underpins our commitment to leading the transition to a low-carbon future as we support the vital research and development work in renewable solutions such as battery storage, electromobility and electricity generation. The focus on STEAM initiatives also aligns with our own commitment to empowering young people to reach their potential and power their collective brighter future. We look forward to working with TU Dublin and the benefits this collaboration will bring to all.”