Next Generation Energy Systems
About NexSys
Defining pathways to a net zero energy system
In May 2022, NexSys was officially launched by Irish Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris, T.D.
Next Generation Energy Systems (NexSys) is an all-island, multidisciplinary energy research programme. NexSys is hosted by the UCD Energy Institute in partnership with eight other leading research institutions: ESRI, DCU, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Galway, Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin, UCC, and Ulster University.
46 leading academics work in partnership with industry to tackle the challenges of energy decarbonisation, developing evidence-based pathways for a net zero energy system.
NexSys has received €16 million in funding through Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) Strategic Partnership Programme (2022-26), with nine industry co-funding partners and one philanthropic donor.




The NexSys Programme
By 2027, NexSys will have identified credible and accelerated pathways for a net zero energy system, and have developed technologies and talent needed for the energy transition.
NexSys currently comprises 24 ‘work packages’ of research within its five strands:
- Energy Systems
- Transport
- Water
- Cities & Communities
- Offshore Wind
Some projects within the programme include:
- A roadmap for net zero energy system
- A framework for Just Transition
- Financial modelling for critical aspects of the energy transition
- Transport modelling and policies for decarbonisation
- Models to support wastewater adaptation
- Bespoke wind forecasting tools
- Community and district energy
We Are Hiring
PhD scholarships, Postdoctoral Researcher, Student internships and Operations team roles are now available.
ESIPP Becomes NexSys
The Energy Systems Integration Partnership Programme (ESIPP) was the Energy Institute’s previous flagship research programme and ran from 2015 to 2022.
This multidisciplinary research programme was a predecessor to NexSys, building on a track record of research with integrity and ambition, a collaboration between academic institutions, and partnerships with industry and academia.
View Energy In Real Time
The UCD Energy Institute Real Time (EIRT) Display shows the current status of the electricity systems in Ireland and the UK, including information on demand, wind generation, frequency and interconnector flows.
