SEAI

In County Donegal, the Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Programme is a initiative designed to facilitate Ireland's shift towards a more energy-efficient and sustainable future. Eithne and Seán from Cill Ulta (Lárionad Acmhainní Nádúrtha Teoranta ) are SEC mentors, guiding communities through the process. The SEC Programme is structured into three key phases: Learn, Plan, and Do. Its primary goal is to empower communities to take local climate action, particularly in reducing energy consumption.

A Sustainable Energy Community is formed when a group get together to enhance energy usage for their community. These communities explore sustainable and holistic energy solutions, encompassing various energy users such as homeowners, sports clubs, community centres, local businesses, and places of worship. This collaborative approach links sustainable energy practices with local economic growth and public well-being. Importantly, mentoring and technical assistance are available at every stage, ensuring that no prior energy expertise is required.

Benefits for communities

  • Achieve financial and energy savings 
  • Improve public wellbeing and comfort from energy efficient buildings
  • Boost local knowledge, skills and employment
  • Build capacity and leverage funding
  • Contribute to climate change targets
  • Support an equitable transition to a low carbon society

Supports for communities

  • Assignment of a local SEAI mentor who will work with you and your interests/needs
  • Access to dedicated SEAI funding (€10,000-€25,000) to develop an Energy Master Plan
  • Kept up to date on network activities through the community platforms, e-zine, network only groups
  • Opportunities to attend regional/national training, events and webinars
  • Signposts to further funding opportunities

Registering as a Sustainable Energy Community is a straightforward process on the SEAI website. After registration, Eithne and Seán will reach out to provide support and guidance, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. For more details on registering your community as an SEC or to learn more, visit the SEAI website.

Once a group is established, they can apply for full funding to hire a consultant for developing an Energy Master Plan (EMP), with funding amounts ranging from €10,000 to €20,000 based on the community's size and energy expenditure. The EMP includes a baseline assessment of energy usage, community energy audits, and a list of recommended actions for energy projects. Many communities in throughout the country have already completed their Energy Master Plans and are now identifying suitable projects and funding opportunities as they move into the 'Do' phase, with ongoing mentoring support.

Email: lanfuinnimh@gmail.com

Phone: 074 91 80994