News and Events

On September 25, 2025, Eoghan Clifford delivered a high-impact CPD presentation and workshop at Engineers Ireland in Ballsbridge, Dublin, focusing on nitrous oxide emissions and mitigation strategies. The annual Wastewater Treatment CPD Seminar is a collaboration between Engineers Ireland and Uisce Éireann. The event attracted over 100 attendees, including policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and members of the international research and engineering community. This cross-stakeholder engagement underscored the importance of collaborative approaches to addressing environmental challenges. The workshop highlighted innovative research and practical solutions, aligning with ACET’s commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and fostering knowledge exchange among diverse stakeholders. Find more information here: https://www.engineersireland.ie/Events/event/10550

A target group visited the case-study site to examine the sensors and monitoring systems in action, gaining first hand experience with the technology and its real-world applications. The session provided practical insights into data collection and system operation within the ACET project.

Webinar: Addressing Climate Change and Emissions Hosted by the International Water Association (IWA) and featured on the United Nations platform, this webinar explores the critical intersection of climate change and water management. Experts discuss innovative solutions, global challenges, and the role of sustainable practices in securing water resources for future generations. For professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in WWTPs, environmental sustainability and emissions Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT_SzTuWhJw

Our team member attended the 2023 SEAI Energy Conference and our poster entitled “Optimising Energy Efficiency Potentials and Compliance in Wastewater Treatment: The ACET Framework” was presented

In a recent visit to the Tuam wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) on May 19, 2023, ACET research team members from the University of Galway (UoG) sought to gain understanding and operations of the facility. The aim of the visit was to evaluate the historical aeration system performance and current performance, with a specific focus on electricity consumption and efficiency. The team gathered vital information on the plant's processes and aeration system upgrades. During discussions, it was revealed that Tuam WWTP had transitioned from surface aeration to Fine Bubble Diffused Aeration (FBDA) in late 2019/2020, resulting in a notable reduction in ammonia levels and improved treatment efficiency. However, the team highlighted the need for further analysis and data collection to comprehensively assess the FBDA system's performance and electricity consumption. These efforts towards enhancing efficiency, electricity savings, and treatment performance at the Tuam WWTP underscore the commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible wastewater management. By implementing improved monitoring systems, upgrading equipment, and conducting regular effluent analysis, the plant may achieve higher levels of treatment efficiency and energy saving. ACET project is a collaboration between industry and third-level research which is strongly needed in order to develop innovation in the water sector that can be rapidly adapted by the public and private sectors. The scientific impact of the research work will be important on an international stage.  The control strategies proposed in ACET are unique in taking a holistic WWTP-wide view on control-based efficiencies and in particular in implementing machine learning, statistical modelling, and life cycle tools. The work will be particularly high impact given the scale of the demonstrations being proposed.