Tipperary student wins Cleaner Climate Award at 2025 SciFest National Finals

Jack McCormack from St Josephs College, Borrisoleigh has been awarded EirGrid’s Cleaner Climate Grand Award at the SciFest National Finals in Dublin recently.

McCormack, who is a fourth-year student, focused his research on engineering a new vertical axis wind turbine design for use in urban areas to promote sustainable energy production.#

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This involved building a fully functional, folding, self-starting, logically controlled vertical axis wind turbine for urban use with full experimentation and testing to prove its viability.

Unlike traditional horizontal-axis turbines, the more compact vertical turbine can operate efficiently in turbulent, low-speed wind conditions, commonly found in cities.

By harnessing renewable wind energy in densely populated areas, the turbine promotes sustainable power generation.

McCormack’s journey to the national stage began with triumph at the SciFest regional finals in TUS Thurles earlier this year, competing against 60 projects from schools across the country.

Currently in its 19th year, this year’s SciFest saw over 16,000 second-level pupils enter the competition, with just fifty pupils making it to the national final.

The SciFest programme is open to secondary students, with the aim of promoting STEM education and providing a platform for students to present and display their scientific projects.

EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, partnered with SciFest to develop the EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award which celebrates students who research and design projects to address challenges posed by climate or energy focused issues.

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Presenting the award to McCormack, Head of Sustainability at EirGrid Orlaith Diamond said: “I was delighted to serve as a judge at the SciFest National Final and to witness the impressive range of projects on display. The EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award is designed to empower young people to engage in meaningful climate responsibility, while nurturing the critical skills that will shape a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

“It is truly inspiring to witness the passion and ingenuity students bring to renewable energy and environmental solutions. Jack’s achievement is a shining example of the innovation and commitment needed to drive positive change. Congratulations on this outstanding success.”