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Featured Member Contributions

Climate Change Won’t Wait. This position paper by the Irish Academy of Engineering observes that while national targets have been set regarding increasing the use of renewable sources for electricity, progress to date suggests that those targets may not be achieved. It concludes that greater political commitment is essential and offers recommendations for a path forward.

France’s Path Towards Sustainable Nuclear Power. This position paper by the National Academy of Technologies of France proposes a reference framework for a sustainable nuclear cycle that is coherent and in tune with the current context.

Small Modular Reactors. This report by the Irish Academy of Engineering concluded that “If Ireland is to become net-zero by 2050, the contribution of energy to national GHG emissions (53% in 2022) will have to be eliminated.” It identifies the need for an informed national discussion regarding the possible introduction of SMRs into Ireland’s energy mix as one pathway toward net-zero.

Roadmap Towards The Production of E-Fuels. This position paper by the National Academy of Technologies of France considers various technological pathways and proposes a “2035 Roadmap” for the development of e-fuels.

A Commentary on the Medium Term Prospects for Ireland’s Hydrogen Economy. This report by the Irish Academy of Engineering looks at the use of green hydrogen gas – produced by the electrolysis of water and powered by renewable electricity – to assist in the decarbonisation process in Ireland.

For a new European energy policy. This position paper by the National Academy of Technologies of France argues that the EU should adopt a new policy that emphasizes energy security as a primary goal and decarbonizing the energy sector as its primary objective, while leaving the choice of means to the Member States.

Irish Water Services in the 21st Century. This report by the Irish Academy of Engineering provides a review of progress to date and a view of the near future. The report presents findings of a high level strategic assessment of water services in the Republic of Ireland and specifically the role of the Uisce Eireann/Irish Water.

Decarbonisation of the aviation sector through the production of sustainable fuels. This report by the National Academy of Technologies of France examines the first steps of an energy and industrial policy that will enable the production of sustainable aviation fuels on the scale needed in the next decade. Full Report. Position Paper.

Megatrends: The forces likely to shape work, employment and society in Ireland to 2040 and beyond. This report by the Irish Academy of Engineering focuses on 5 trends with global impact: Decarbonisation and Climate Change; New Technology; The 4th Industrial Revolution; The Circular Economy; Remote Working.

Towards 2040 – The Atlantic City Regions: Essential Infrastructure for Balanced Regional Development. This report by the Irish Academy of Engineering recommends the prioritization of key infrastructure projects and actions necessary to ensure the sustainable development of Ireland’s Atlantic City Regions. Consisting of in-depth analysis and recommendations for infrastructure improvements in the areas of Energy, Broadband, Transport, Ports, Flood Risk Management and Water Services, the report also calls out the urgent need for reform of the development consent system.

Alerting the engineering research community to the risks of predatory journals and conferences. This Engineering Brief highlights steps that can be taken by engineering research bodies at national, regional, and global levels to protect against predatory practices that could otherwise undermine the integrity of engineering research. It draws on findings published in an InterAcademy Report titled Combatting Predatory Academic Journals and Conferen ces.

Inter-seasonal heat storage in the residential and tertiary sector: A way to reduce our carbon footprint. This paper by the National Academy of Technologies of France briefly presents the technologies for thermal energy storage, then describes the systems suitable for large-scale inter-seasonal storage in the residential and tertiary sectors and the barriers to their deployment in France.

Responsibility in Companies and Institutions for Sustainable Development. This position paper by Germany’s National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech) observes that while responsible technology design is of vital importance, the complexity and interdependence of social and environmental factors may diffuse that responsibility. It aims to stimulate debate engaging the technological sciences community together with organizations, companies and agencies with a research and technology focus.

A Systemic Approach to the Energy Transition in Europe. This report by the SAPEA (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies) notes that the pathway to reach net zero emissions is not clear. It presents a systemic approach and concludes with evidence-based policy options that could help Europe reach the Paris Agreement targets.

Spotlight on Engineering

Engineer’s Day Celebration in the Netherlands was celebrated on March 17, praising the skills and inventions of engineers. The celebration is organized for the members of the Royal Institute of Engineers; one of the most important events of this special day is revealing the name of the Engineer of the year. Dr. David Fernandez Rivas, associate professor of fluid dynamics at the University of Twente, was named as the 2021 winner of this prestigious award.