Tyndall National Institute Cork has teamed up with US and Northern Irish research partners to turn CO₂ waste into a renewable, useable, carbon-emissions-free energy supply. The ‘SuSChem’ project, which will bring together leading Irish and US energy scientists, will aim to design and develop a new solar-powered material to be used in power stations to turn CO₂ waste products into liquid fuels. SuSChem aims to produce a prototype material, but there is significant market potential for a proven material, the photocatalyst market is estimated at a value of €1.3 billion. Tyndall will work in partnership with the University of Ulster, Derry and Northwestern University, Illinois, drawing on their expertise in photocatalyst materials, reactor design and synthesis and characterisation. The project has the dual benefit of reducing our harmful CO₂ emissions while also decreasing the global reliance on traditional fossil fuels and could have a transformative effect on society’s energy usage. The three-year project will also be leveraged to target EU Horizon 2020 funding in the renewable energies field. Tyndall CEO, Dr Kieran Drain, said SuSChem “aptly illustrates the kind of transformative and world-leading research currently underway at Tyndall”. “The scientific community has a responsibility to help solve the major environmental and economic challenges facing our energy-hungry society, the SuSChem project represents a serious commitment from Ireland and the US to find a solution to our growing energy challenges,” he said.