European researchers test pioneering solar energy system in Cork that could cut heating bills

As well as reducing domestic home heating bills, the MiniStor system could reduce, or potentially remove the need for solid fuel, oil or gas-based heating systems in homes

Researchers Dr Carlos Ochoa (left) and Samaneh Fakouriyan (right) from the International Energy Research Centre, based at Tyndall National Institute with the pioneering renewable energy solution in Cork City. Picture: Clare Keogh

A pioneering system which captures and stores energy from the sun and which could help slash home heating bills is being tested in Cork as part of a major pan-European research project.

Researchers at the International Energy Research Centre (IERC) based at the Tyndall National Institute, a research flagship of University College Cork, are piloting the state-of-the-art prototype high-capacity thermal energy storage system called MiniStor at a house in the city’s western suburbs.