SEAI has €11m budget to spend on energy schemes

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) today highlighted the fact that it has €11m to spend on energy schemes.

It has €7 million for Better Energy Communities, which will provide funding for pioneering partnerships to achieve energy efficiency through building retrofits within Irish communities.

SEAI has a further €4 million for Better Energy Warmer Homes Area Based Programme which will provide funding for projects to deliver energy savings to vulnerable homeowners.

The details were announced at the eight annual Energy Show for business energy solutions which was opened today at the RDS in Dublin by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte.

Exhibitors include businesses supplying energy efficiency products, the latest sustainable building products, electric vehicles and much more. This year’s event sees many new features including an International Markets Area to build Irish enterprise and business in foreign markets such as China, Brazil, Argentina and Europe, while practical retrofit demonstrations will showcase best practice in insulation, heating and solar technologies.

Workshops to assist applicants applying for funding under the Better Energy Communities schemes and the Better Energy Warmer Homes Area Based programme will also be held at the Energy Show.

Speaking at the opening of SEAI’s Energy Show today, Minister Rabbitte said: “The range of energy solutions on show here today demonstrates the scale and diversity of the energy sector. Upgrading energy efficiency has multiple benefits including promoting enterprise, reducing energy bills of those most in need, maintaining jobs and, of course, addressing climate change.”

SEAI Chief Executive, Dr. Brian Motherway said: “Three thousand business people will visit the Energy Show over the two days showing how vibrant this sector is for enterprise and innovation. This level of funding is a great boost for all companies, communities and homeowners involved.”