A sixth-year student from Ursuline College, Amber McDonald, is heading to the SciFest National Finals in Dublin following her impressive scientific work.

Her project, titled “Energy Crisis? Let me Kelp you!,” focuses on using a solar desalination method to produce clean water, fertilizer, and biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More from our coastline’s natural resources. This creative solution to environmental challenges previously won her the prestigious EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award at the regional competition held at Atlantic Technological University, Sligo.

SciFest is a national program designed to showcase the creativity and research skills of second-level students in STEM. EirGrid sponsors the Cleaner Climate Award to highlight the crucial role young people play in developing solutions for climate and energy issues.

Amber will now join fifty other students from thirty schools nationwide to compete for the chance to represent Ireland internationally at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Arizona in May 2026. The national final is scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2025, in Dublin. EirGrid’s representative expressed enthusiasm for how these next-generation innovators are leading the way with fresh perspectives on energy challenges.