SEAI’s National Energy Research Development and Demonstration Funding Call now open for applications

What is the SEAI RD&D Funding Programme?

The SEAI National Energy RD&D Funding Programme is a government-backed initiative designed to invest in cutting-edge energy research and innovation projects across Ireland. Its core mission is simple but ambitious: to accelerate the development and adoption of technologies and solutions that will help Ireland meet its climate and energy goals. 

Each year, SEAI invites researchers, businesses, and public bodies to submit proposals that can make a tangible impact on the country’s transition to sustainable energy.

Driving Ireland’s clean energy transition

At its heart, the RD&D programme supports projects that contribute to Ireland’s long-term policy commitments such as the Climate Action Plan, National Energy and Climate Plan, and broader EU energy strategies. 

Last year, SEAI awarded over €20 million in government funding for 34 new national energy research projects under the SEAI National Energy Funding Programme 2025, including nine Energise Fellowships. You can see past projects here.

Who can apply?

The SEAI RD&D fund is open to a wide range of organisations based in Ireland, including private companies, universities and third-level institutions and public sector organisations.

Applicants can apply individually or as part of a consortium. This encourages collaboration across sectors and disciplines. 

Importantly, the programme welcomes multidisciplinary and cross-sector research, recognising that solving energy challenges requires diverse perspectives and expertise.

What types of projects are supported?

The RD&D programme funds a broad spectrum of energy-related projects, from early-stage research through to real-world demonstrations. These include:

• Renewable energy technologies (e.g. wind, solar, hydrogen)
• Energy efficiency and smart buildings
• Sustainable transport solutions
• Energy systems integration and storage
• Carbon capture and emissions reduction

Projects are categorised under either:

• Open Strand – researcher-led ideas aligned with SEAI priorities
• Thematic (Topic) Strand – focused areas identified as national priorities 

This flexible structure allows both innovative blue-sky thinking and targeted problem-solving.

What’s different this year?

There is an Offshore Renewable Energy RD&D (optional funding pathway). SEAI recognises that suitable test infrastructure for some offshore renewable energy projects may not yet be available within Ireland. To address this, the 2026 call introduces an optional RD&D funding pathway to support projects that:

• are relevant to offshore renewable energy, and
• require access to specialist test facilities outside Ireland, where suitable national facilities are not currently available.

This is not a separate funding strand.

What do applicants have to do?

Familiarise yourself with our key application documents before applying. They will guide you throughout the process. Our RD&D team are hosting a webinar to explain what is required on 25^th May 2026. 

SEAI Energise Fellowship Programme 2026

The SEAI Energise Fellowship Programme offers postdoctoral and experienced researchers the opportunity to apply for fellowship awards. There are two categories: academic fellowships and SEAI-based fellowships. New eligible costs have been introduced to support part time secondments for academic staff and postdoctoral researchers already employed in universities. This significantly broadens eligibility beyond early career researchers, making the call accessible to more established researchers.

Find out more

Timelines

The application deadline for the SEAI-based Fellowship Call is 13:00 on Thursday, 11th June 2026. 

The application deadline for the RD&D funding call is at 13:00 on Tuesday, 30th June 2026.

The application deadline for the Academic Fellowship Call is 13:00 on Tuesday, 30th June 2026. 

Why it matters

Ireland faces significant challenges in meeting its climate targets, achieving energy independence, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The SEAI RD&D Fund addresses these challenges by:

• Bridging the gap between research and real-world application
• Supporting collaboration between academia, industry, and government
• Enabling scalable, market-ready solutions
• Strengthening Ireland’s position as a leader in clean energy innovation

Ultimately, the programme is about more than funding. It’s about building a sustainable energy ecosystem that benefits society, the economy, and the environment.

Looking ahead

With continued government investment and growing demand for clean energy solutions, the SEAI RD&D programme will remain a cornerstone of Ireland’s energy strategy.

As new funding calls open each year, they offer an opportunity for innovators across the country to contribute to a shared goal: a low-carbon, resilient, and secure energy future.

Women in research

Apply now

In 2024, 21% of our funded projects were led by women. In 2025, 17% of applicants to our RDD funding call were women. We want to increase those numbers, so we spoke to inspiring women who have made a successful, rewarding career in energy research. We also spoke to women who have applied to SEAI’s funding call and how this has supported their area of work. Watch the video below.