A pioneering Galway company is welcoming on board an acclaimed researcher as they combine to develop a new material that could become a cornerstone of the evolution towards the world of green energy.

Dr Mohamad Alsaadi has been awarded a prestigious Science Foundation Ireland Industry RD&I Fellowship to support a Galway company in building ‘sustainable materials of the future’.

Technological University of the Shannon researcher Dr Alsaadi, based in the PRISM research institute at TUS Athlone, will work with ÉireComposites in Inverin on the GreenCompos project, which aims to develop sustainable solutions for thermoset composites – materials cured through a heat process.

These advanced materials will be used for reinforcing wind turbines blades, tidal energy production and hydroelectric structures.

Dr Mohamad Alsaadi has received more than €100,000 through the SFI Industry Fellowship Programme to support his work over a twelve-month period.

The SFI RD&I Fellowship Programme supports the temporary placement of academic researchers in industry to conduct research in various areas including energy-efficient communications networks, electrochemical sensors for rapid medical diagnostics, seaweed extract for use in cosmetics/health products, moorings for offshore wind platforms, and reducing cement’s carbon footprint using new generation low clinker cement technology.

Dr Alsaasdi is one of only two technological university-based researchers, and one of just 15 researchers nationwide, to receive a fellowship, awarded by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan. And he expressed huge enthusiasm for the project.

“I am thrilled to embark on a new collaborative initiative in partnership with ÉireComposites,” said Dr Alsaadi.

“Through the GreenCompos project, we will develop sustainable alternative materials to reduce environmental footprint of thermoset composites while increasing circularity for polymer and plastic materials,” he added.

ÉireComposites CEO Dr Tomás Flanagan was equally delighted that Dr Alsaadi will be joining their team on an SFI fellowship.

“We are excited about his project which will explore the use of advanced composite materials for renewable energy applications,” he said.

“The project will strengthen the relationship between TUS and ÉireComposites as we work together to develop the lightweight, sustainable materials of the future,” he added.

Pictured: Dr Mohamad Alsaadi, who will receive more than €100,000 to support his work with ÉireComposites, under the SFI RD&I Fellowship Programme.