How can South East Energy Agency help communities?
We are always looking for new community groups to join the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities programme.
Our experienced team will recommend the most appropriate funding option for your group and will support you through the application processes from start to finish, giving you the best possible chance of success.
Community groups are eligible for grant funding of up to 50% towards energy efficiency upgrades. South East Energy Agency will project manage the entire works for you through the SEAI Community Energy Grant pipeline. Get in contact today and include a short description of the project you have in mind.
Programmes, Grants & Funding
Find out more about South East Energy Agency’s Community based services
Sustainable Energy Communities
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) runs SEC Programme which is focused on empowering communities. Under the programme, SECs can sign up to a three-year partnership where they will be supported and guided by SEAI mentors through planning for their energy future. Driven by collaboration, there are over 300 communities currently using the network to share knowledge, advice, case studies and development tools with other communities. Under the Climate Action Plan, the government aims to expand the SEC Network to 1,500 communities throughout Ireland.
South East Energy Agency are regional coordinators for the southeast working closely with county mentors in each of the four counties – Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Waterford. There are currently over 50 SEC members in the 4 counties at different stages of the journeys.
There is funding through this programme for communities to complete an Energy Master Plan for their community, for more information read more here.
Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS)
The RESS is key to delivering on Ireland’s commitments of 70% RES-E target, through harnessing our natural resources and bringing renewable energy into the heart of our communities. Under this scheme, communities can benefit in two ways through participating in renewable energy projects in their local area.
Firstly, all projects looking for support under the new RESS will need to meet pre-qualification criteria of community involvement where the community is given the opportunity to invest in and take ownership of a portion of renewable projects in their local area. Secondly, there is a community led element to the RESS where 30GWh of projects will be allocated to community led renewable energy initiatives. To be part of this process communities need to be part of the SEAI SECs programme.
Community Grant Programme
The Community Grant Programme is a national retrofit initiative managed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
The Community Grant Programme offers a win-win grant aid solution for parish halls, GAA clubs, farmers, charitable organisations, community groups, public authorities, individuals, and businesses to both lower their energy bills while reducing energy usage. All projects must be community oriented, and you must show that you can sustainably finance the proposed project.
Up to 50% funding will be available for community/not for profit projects and up to 30% funding for businesses, public sector, charitable organisations and housing associations.
Upgrades can take place across building types to reduce energy use and costs throughout the community.
Energy Efficiency upgrades supported by the Community Grant Programme
• Building Fabric Upgrades (wall insulation, energy-smart walls and doors)
• Technological Improvements (boiler replacement or controls upgrades)
• Energy Efficient Lighting
• Renewable Energy Solutions (wind turbines, biomass and solar PV systems)
• Domestic Combined Fabric Upgrades
• Heat Recovery solutions
For any queries please contact us
Get started on your journey
Tell us a little more about your project.
