POV | EXPRESS – The Success Journey So Far

Within the Irish setting, the EXPRESS project has effectively engaged policy authorities, industry experts, and stakeholders in the renewable energy chain by fostering the right atmosphere for concerted efforts in transitioning to renewable technologies. The resultant effect is increased participation of stakeholders in policy making process and improved policy initiatives to attain and promote renewable energy self-sufficiency. EXPRESS project deliverables form insights for policy actions which are presented to the regional policy authority – Southern Regional Assembly.

The EXPRESS project also recorded success in the numbers and impacts of policy-based contributions made at various consultations with stakeholders. These fora provided opportunities for influencing policy instruments and providing technical advisory from an industry perspective on critical areas such as grid decarbonisation. Furthermore, the consultation responses serve as a base for scenario analyses of energy outlook beyond 2030.

Link to some of the recent inputs by SEEA for policy action on grid decarbonisation can be found in the EirGrid Transmission Development Plan. A national awareness for biomethane as an alternative for natural gas was delivered successfully through EXPRESS. The promotional effort is based on the certification of published SEEA’s study into the potential of biomethane, as a renewable alternative, for the South East region. The national awareness campaign for biomethane as an alternative to fossil gas was successfully executed through EXPRESS. The publicity campaign is based on the certification of SEEA’s published study regarding biomethane as a clean gas to benefit the economy of the South East region. The incorporation of biomethane into the gas grid ensures energy security, decarbonised gas grids and systems, and possible infrastructure for renewable energy storage.

The inter-regional nature of the EXPRESS consortium has promoted cooperation among partners and inspired the implementation of innovative concepts for energy self-sufficiency. South East Energy Agency has benefited from this consortium through expert support, good practice development, policy learning events, thematic workshops and partner visits.

In summary, the impact of EXPRESS has led to a strong partnership between SEEA and other European partners from other countries.

Stephen Oba

The author works as a Junior Energy Engineer at the South East Energy Agency.