Tag Archives: Sustainable Energy Communities

A NEW scheme to support householders, farmers and community groups in producing and selling renewable electricity into the national grid is set to bring major benefits to Clare, according to the county’s Environmental Network Coordinator. Theresa O’Donohoe, a former General Election candidate for People Before Profit, has urged people to have their say on the new Microgeneration Support Scheme, the outline of which was unveiled this week by environment minister, Eamonn Ryan. The initiative will allow people to generate their own renewable electricity, through, for example, solar panels on their roofs, and ensure they receive a fair price when they sell the excess into the grid. “Run well, this initiative offers a whole new approach to rural regeneration and regional development while supporting the transition to a low carbon economy,” Ms O’Donohoe said. “If every community decided they would invest in solar panels on all the roofs, a small wind turbine or three beside the pitches, a water turbine in the stream, …

AN AMBITIOUS project to boost the production and use of renewable energy is being pioneered by the Clooney Spancilhill Community Development Association. The group is one of three in Clare to enter a partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) with a view to creating an energy masterplan for the area. The blueprint will also offer potential to generate revenue for the area and will draw inspiration from a highly successful community of Templederry, outside Nenagh, who are now raising €1.1m annual for their locality. “We set up a steering group on the environment,” outlined Tom Larkin, Chairperson of the association. “That lead us to applying to the SEAI for funding. We succeeded in securing €10,000 and that involves us signing a three-year agreement with SEAI. We have mentoring from SEAI and Clare Local Development Company (CLDC).” After a tender process, the Tipperary Energy Agency was chosen and a contract signed before Christmas for the creation of a …