Five hundred communities are now part of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI’s) community energy network leading the way in Ireland’s energy transition. More than 25,000 citizens engaged with the community energy network across Ireland are tackling climate action in their localities by being more energy efficient in their homes, businesses and community buildings and switching to renewable energy.
Communities who sign up to SEAI’s community network are taking control of their energy future by establishing a path to lowering their energy use and climate impact. SEAI provides mentoring and funding to help communities achieve their sustainable energy ambitions. Many have completed energy upgrades in homes, businesses, and public and community buildings. Others are looking to larger scale renewable sources of energy to benefit their area.
Speaking on the growth of the sustainable energy community network, Minister Eamon Ryan TD said:
“I am delighted that the number of sustainable energy communities in Ireland has doubled in the past two years as citizens join together to reap the benefits of energy efficiency, cleaner air and greater energy independence. We are committing as a country to a path to net zero emissions by 2050 and communities working together will be central to our success. I encourage anyone interested to get involved with the SEAI community network.”
This really is a win win approach for communities once they are committed to the network. There are individual benefits in warmer, more comfortable homes and buildings resulting from energy upgrades and now many of the more established communities are working on more ambitious renewable energy projects. This will bring a multitude of benefits including local employment, improved air quality, more affordable energy and ultimately energy independence for many.
William Walsh, CEO of SEAI, added,
“The network is growing very rapidly, demonstrating the appetite that exists among citizens and communities to take charge of their collective energy futures. We are now one third of the way towards the Government’s goal of 1,500 sustainable energy communities by 2030 and such is the demand for our partnership approach with communities that we’re confident in meeting that target. Those who want to get involved can join a community close to them by searching our online network map. Alternatively, those who want to set their own path can establish a community energy network with committed participants in their own area.”
Further information on the network and how to get involved is available on the SEAI Sustainable Community Energy webpage at: www.seai.ie/community-energy/sustainable-energy-communities/
