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)