Time is running out for third-level students across Ireland to showcase their vision for the future of the country’s energy sector. Students are invited to apply for the EirGrid CleanerGrid Competition 2025/26, with applications due to close on Wednesday, 19th November 2025.
Back for a third year, the CleanerGrid competition run by EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, aims to foster innovation and creativity by encouraging students to showcase their skills in creating innovative solutions for the Ireland’s clean energy transition.
With a top prize of €12,000 (€6,000 for the winning student team and €6,000 for the student’s third-level institute), this year’s theme focuses on “Opportunities and challenges in accelerating offshore wind potential.”
Entrants should propose innovative, practical solutions that address both the opportunities and obstacles in developing Ireland’s offshore electricity infrastructure. Submissions may reflect each student’s discipline or interests, whether in engineering, policy, economics, environmental science, data, or another field, and should offer fresh, actionable ideas that contribute meaningfully to Ireland’s clean energy transition.
Shona O’Halloran took part in last year’s CleanerGrid competition as a student at the University of Galway. Now part of EirGrid’s graduate programme, she is encouraging other students to apply, even if they do not have a complete project in mind.
“CleanerGrid is an opportunity for students to be innovative and creative. When I initially applied, I did not have every detail of my project figured out, there was a few months before we had to present the final concept. This gave me plenty of time to consider different approaches and experiment with my ideas, as well as work around my coursework. If you are interested in applying, go for it, and see where it takes you.”
The competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, below PhD level, from all disciplines at any third-level institution in the Republic of Ireland. Students can take part by signing up at EirGrid.ie/CleanerGrid as part of a team of up to six members. Applications close on the 19th of November.
The top entrants will be invited to EirGrid’s head offices to present their innovations to industry experts, including members of the EirGrid senior management team.
