"We helped Galetech demonstrate the robustness of the project," Brian explains. "Working alongside DCEE, our EU Funding Centre of Excellence team advised Galetech on their application, while our Sustainability team conducted the precise greenhouse gas calculations that showed an impressive carbon emissions reduction of over 80% was achievable. Galetech is in competition with applicants from across Europe for this highly valuable grant. Each application is subject to intense scrutiny from the EU and it is critical that companies can stand over each aspect of their application including their financial and environmental due diligence.
“The Innovation Fund is one of the world’s largest funding programmes for the demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies. Its mission is to deploy innovative net-zero technologies for climate neutrality, so it was the ideal fit for Galetech’s e-Fuel facility.
“The key consideration for approval is the ability to clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of any proposed technology, with a data-driven approach at the very heart of it. The methodologies for submitting and defending an application are very strict. Being able to bring in the expertise from across the firm, especially Dorothy’s team, is critical in delivering a robust application.”
Aideen O’Reilly from DCEE is Ireland’s National Contact Point for the European Innovation Fund. She provides valuable insights and support to applicants for projects that can achieve significant GHG savings. “The EU Innovation Fund drives Ireland's decarbonisation by financing emission-reduction projects and clean technologies like aviation e-fuels. DCEE, as Ireland's National Contact Point, supports Irish companies in accessing this funding. For Irish businesses, the Fund enables scaling breakthrough technologies, sharing investment risks, and accessing EU-wide networks. It builds Ireland's reputation as a sustainability innovation centre. Securing funding requires rigorous, data-driven applications with measurable emission cuts and multidisciplinary expertise. Ireland's team partners with firms like Deloitte to prepare robust submissions. Despite complex technical and regulatory challenges, successful involvement accelerates Ireland's clean energy transition and builds competitive advantage in green industries.
"This is a critical opportunity to accelerate Ireland's clean energy transition while building a competitive advantage. Every euro left unclaimed is a missed opportunity to drive innovation and position Ireland as a leader in the green economy.”
Commenting on the complex GHG modelling completed by Deloitte, Dorothy Maguire says it was a huge feat. “Ultimately, the work we did helped Galetech detail in precise facts and figures, the potential positive impact of their facility. Shareholders, investors, and financing bodies are increasingly demanding robust information on both the financial and environmental benefits of innovation projects. Companies recognise the serious risks of appearing to engage in greenwashing and the significant reputational damage this can cause. Apart from having a huge impact on the travelling population’s GHG emissions, synthetic fuels may also be better for the air we breathe.”
