Case Studies
Sustainable Energy /Sligo SEC
TEAM
Energy Management Team
Sector
Services Provided
Energy Master Plans
Overview of service
The Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Programme is an initiative under the remit of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. An SEC is a community where people work together to develop a sustainable energy system. The objective of the community is to be energy efficient and use renewable energy, developing decentralised energy supplies.
The ORS Energy Management Team works with a wide range of SECs across the country in Sligo, Inishowen, Loughmore Castleiney, Killorglin, Maynooth, Clane, Monasterevin and Kilcullen. The team provides Energy Master Plans (EMPs) and operates as SEC County Mentors. This positions the team to have a unique understanding of what communities require in relation to an energy transition plan. They have insight into the challenges faced and the support needed to progress. ORS energy consultants use this insight when developing EMPs for other communities, sharing their knowledge and expertise.
In Sligo SEC, the EMP created by ORS took a comprehensive overview of energy consumption and energy generation in the area and resulted in the following:
- Provided a baseline of sectorial energy usage, current energy sources and energy-related CO2 emissions for the study area.
- Identified potential alternative energy sources and recommended ways to save energy.
- Established a Register of Opportunities (RoO) for the reduction of energy demand in both domestic and non-domestic buildings and the transition to renewable energy supply.
This EMP will be used as a roadmap for Sligo’s move towards sustainable energy.
Project challenges
Stakeholder engagement and communication
Levels of interest and communication from groups within the EMP varied. Working with people in the SECs with passion but little experience, combined with a heavy workload and strict targets, is challenging.
As a solution, the ORS team utilised its project management skills and experience in dealing with multiple stakeholders. The team began with an education session on the benefits of ORS and the SEC teams working collaboratively. The session also highlighted how the project would benefit the community in many ways, both economically and socially.
The next step in the solution was for the ORS Energy Management Team to create a clear timeline for the project and work closely with the SEC to ensure that the timelines were delivered. Professional guidance and education were essential when bringing all stakeholders through the process clearly and precisely.
Related Projects
Talk to A specialist