Section 7: - Ireland 'v' Best International Practice

Louth Local Authorities in partnership with SEAI developed the first SEC in Dundalk and

together participate with other international partners in the CONCERTO initiative which is

part of the EU Framework Program for Research and Technological Development, supervised by

DG Energy of the European Commission. The Dundalk SEC is a demonstration community in an international consortium (HOLISTIC) coordinated

by SEAI and has developed strong links with Newry City (Northern Ireland) - an observer community

in this consortium. In March 2011 Newry launched the Newry Low Carbon City Charter formally

adopting the SEC process and they will provide strong links to other communities in Northern

Ireland. The rural community of Cloughjordan in Tipperary is also a participant in another

CONCERTO consortium (SERVE) co-ordinated by Tipperary Institute and will actively participate in

the SEC Network.

The links that have developed between DG Energyand SEAI have strengthened as a result of the

involvement in CONCERTO. As DG Energy also has responsibility for delivery of wider European

platforms such as Smart Cities and the Covenant of Mayors, this communication avenue will benefit

the Network.

As well as the international links mentioned above,the Network will also have the potential to connect

to technology companies innovating in the smart technology and smart grid field and to develop opertunities for testing their products. www.seai.ie

Legislation and Government Funding

What are Current Influencers:

  • EU 2020 Directive for 20% country’s energy from Renewables.

  • President of ESTIF stated that the vision is by 2030, the 100% solar heated house shall be the building standard in Europe.

( www.estif.org )

Legislation and Regulation

  • The Energy White Paper 2007

  • European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

  • Government’s Building a Greener Future: Towards a Zero Carbon Development, Consultation Document

  • Part L Building Regulations in Ireland SI 854 of 2007

Government Grants and Funding

    • Greener Homes Phase 3

      • For existing properties, offers solar grants of €300 per square metre for evacuated tube collectors and €250 per square metre for flat plate panels.

  • SEI ‘Reheat Program’

    • Offers grant support for all projects, other than domestic, up to 30% of the total install costs of the solar system.

    • See below table for an indication of sizing, plant and costs.

  • Low Carbon Housing Initiative

    • Provides €9 million to Developers to incorporate renewable energy products such as solar on new housing schemes.

Europe is on track to meet, and possibly exceed, two of its three 2020 energy targets. However, more work must be done in order to become more energy efficient. Member states must collectively reduce greenhouse gases by 20 per cent, increase their share of renewables by 20 per cent and reduce energy consumption by 20 per cent from their 1990 baseline levels. (www.energyireland.ie/artical)