A key challenge for communities is the implementation of community-led projects. In some cases, the SEC may not have experience or understanding of what is required when working with more significant corporate stakeholders.
For example, ORS supported Mullingar SEC in delivering a community 5MW solar park in Marlinstown on the former landfill site. Securing a grid connection was a primary roadblock for the successful completion of this project.
Using their experience working with large corporate entities and understanding of the grid system in Ireland, the ORS team guided the community through the process. It assisted the SECs with communication and documentation with ESB networks and successfully achieved the grid connection. This was a significant milestone for the project.
Another challenge that can arise with community groups is securing engagement from members of the communities to conduct energy-related upgrades. These can include work for homes and businesses like building fabric upgrades, using renewable energy technology, and upgrading significant energy users to energy-efficient systems.
To overcome this challenge, ORS used its expertise in these areas to present to the community and show the benefits of implementing these upgrades in ways such as cost and comfort levels, as well as the benefits to the environment by reducing usage. The ORS Energy Management Team has extensive knowledge of grants available to homeowners and businesses and has helped and guided these community groups to avail of them.
