Ireland | Exploring Community-Led Renewable Energy
The 3rd EXPRESS study visit hosted by South East Energy Agency held in Kilkenny between the 21st and 23rd of November 2023. The hybrid activity which took place over the course of two days had in attendance representatives from the Southern Regional Assembly (regional policymaking body), Local Authorities (Carlow Co.Co, Waterford Co.Co), project partners from Finland (Regional Council of North Karelia, Ely Centre of North Karelia), Croatia (REDEA), France (APC, City of Paris, ADERE), Hungary (Hajdú-Bihar County Government, University of Debrecen), Italy (The Marche Region Municipality), Romania (ALDA) including academia (UCC), and industry practitioners in wind energy and bioenergy.
The central theme of the event focused on community-led wind energy and bioenergy projects, and how they can be replicated within partner regions following Ireland’s success in community-led renewable projects.
Uniting Regions for Sustainable Energy
Welcoming all participants to the region, Senior Executive Planner from the Southern Regional Assembly, Dominic Walsh, highlighted the goal of the organisation which is to make the Southern Region of Ireland (of which the South East is part of) the greenest and liveable area which is also self-sufficient in renewable energy.
Day one morning session included a panel discussion among the four LAs based on a SWOT analysis of renewables within the LAs (conducted by the SEEA), a 10-minute presentation on community-led renewable energy projects by project partners/representatives, and practical ways partners link together on the EXPRESS project to support the implementation of Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy (RSES) with RPO 98 Regional Renewable Energy Strategy.
Navigating Challenges, Embracing Opportunities
The afternoon witnessed sessions with industry practitioners from Ballincurry Wind Farm & Ormonde Organics, highlighting positives and challenges on small wind farm and biogas developments which could eventually inform a new community-led approach in terms of renewable projects and achieving the 2030 targets. The positive impacts of community-led initiatives in renewable energy projects include transparent community engagement, greater economic benefits to local communities – co-ownership, benefits sharing, job creation, and availability of tailored support schemes. Typical challenges identified include planning permission, financing, connection to the grid(s), and licence approval.
The day wrapped up with social engagements such as Walk Tours in Medieval Kilkenny City, and other activities to explore social implications of the Project.
Innovative Solutions for Policy Implementation
Day two activities included monthly EXPRESS meeting for partners, design innovation exercise for policy implementation, and presentation from the University College, Cork, on community engagement in wind energy, highlighting innovative approaches to achieving a social license to operate. At the end of the day, the Lead Project Partner brought the event to a close and revealed that the Paris Climate Agency will host the 4th EXPRESS Study Event in April 9-10,2024.
In conclusion, community-led approach remains a sustainable route to make local communities speed up the green transition to renewables and achieve 2030 targets in various EU Member States.
- Materials presented during the study visit are available in the EXPRESS project library.
- EXPRESS news on SEEA website | southeastenergy.ie