Empowering the Next Generation: H&MV Engineering’s Commitment to Future Engineers

H&MV Engineering, in partnership with ABB, is proud to support the future of power engineering with the launch of a state-of-the-art Digital Substation at Munster Technological University’s (MTU) Power Academy Lab in Bishopstown. This investment of over €200,000 underscores H&MV’s dedication to fostering the next generation of engineers who will drive Ireland’s energy transition.


Strengthening Ireland’s Energy Infrastructure
This initiative aligns with the Irish government’s Climate Action Plan 2023, which sets ambitious targets, including a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a transition to a carbon-neutral power system by mid-century. Ireland’s electricity demand is projected to surge from 33 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2022 to 56 TWh by 2030 and 80 TWh by 2050, necessitating advanced grid technologies and a highly skilled workforce to support this transformation.
The integration of Digital Substations is a critical step in modernising Ireland’s power infrastructure, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and seamless renewable energy integration. As Ireland moves towards 95% renewable energy penetration by 2030, investments like this provide industry professionals with the expertise needed to develop, operate, and maintain a smart grid.

A Hands-On Learning Experience at PowerGRID 2025

MTU showcased the Digital Substation’s capabilities during PowerGRID 2025, a premier national conference co-sponsored by H&MV Engineering and Omicron. The event featured:
⦁ Keynote Speech: H&MV’s David Maher opened the conference with insights into the future of power systems.
⦁ Technical Presentation: Ross Kelly discussed power systems digitalisation and the evolving energy landscape.
⦁ Student Poster Presentations: H&MV team members Gabriel Paolino, Kannan Balaji, and Ciaran Ahern participated in showcasing cutting-edge research.


Bridging the Skills Gap in Power Engineering
This partnership between H&MV Engineering, ABB, and MTU is designed to: Equip students and industry professionals with hands-on experience in digital substation operations. Advance research and innovation in smart grid protection and digital substation technologies. Address the growing demand for engineers with expertise in electronic, communication, and electrical engineering.

A Crucial Moment for Industry Collaboration
Dr. Martin Hill, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at MTU, emphasised the timing of this investment as crucial for bridging the gap between industry needs and academic training. The rapid evolution of digital technologies in substations demands a multidisciplinary skill set, combining traditional power engineering with cutting-edge digital communication and automation expertise.
“This equipment allows students to work in an industry-standard environment, with the current and future generations of smart grid protection equipment,” Dr. Hill stated.


Shaping the Future of Power Engineering
At H&MV Engineering, we recognise the vital role that engineers play in achieving Ireland’s clean energy goals. By investing in educational programs and cutting-edge training facilities, we are helping to build a highly skilled workforce capable of tackling tomorrow’s energy challenges head-on.


The collaboration with MTU and ABB ensures that Ireland remains at the forefront of power system innovation, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Read more:
Smart Product and Electronic Engineering at Munster Technological University – Education Magazine

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