Sustainable Energy Authority releases annual review

The review includes the Authority’s work on energy efficiency in homes and businesses, renewable energy projects and studies and research and development projects.

SEAI delivered the upgrade of over 24,000 low-income homes under the Irish government’s Warmer Homes Scheme.

Under the Energy Efficiency Fund, euro 8 million was invested on 61 retrofit projects in the business and public sectors.

SEAI has also funded 20 ocean energy projects to the value of euro 5.5 million and in April announced its plans to develop a national wave energy test-site off the coast of Co. Mayo. The site will allow for the testing and demonstrating of full-scale wave energy systems and technologies.

SEAI chief executive, Professor J Owen Lewis, said: “One year into our ambitious five year strategic plan, we have made significant strides to deliver on our sustainable energy goals.

“We are seeing positive results right across the board as renewable energy continues to grow and energy efficiency improves across all sectors.

“The sustainable energy sector is now well established and is a significant employer. I am confident that further significant progress will be made in 2011.”

The Authority have seen an increased appreciation of energy efficiency in Ireland, as up to 800 individuals call SEAI on a daily basis to enquire about energy efficieny and how best to reduce their energy bills.

Renewable energy usage, it notes is growing between 15% annually on average between 2005 and 2009.

SEAI is financed by Ireland’s EU Structural Funds Programme co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union.

Alison Brown