Energy Cork an industry cluster to strengthen innovation and employment in the energy sector.
About this good practice
Energy Cork seeks to stimulate and support economic development and job creation in the energy sector. The Cluster is active across all aspects of the sector. The structure of Energy Cork is a response to the needs of members and vision of the cluster’s founders in the organisation’s constitution. Steering Group – providing management and strategic direction to the Cluster. Led by the Energy Cork Chairperson. 14 industry members (7 SME and 7 non-SME elected) and 14 other members representing local and regional government, development agencies, academic and research partners. The cluster employs one full time cluster manager.
The Cluster has 5 key working groups: (1) Energy Supply Sub Group – Production, supply, transportation, storage, sale, generation of energy, energy services and fuels. (2) Built Environment Sub Group – Energy use in buildings (residential, commercial, industrial, institutional), energy-efficient technology, energy management systems. (3) Transport Sub Group – Energy use in the transport sector, promoting public transport and other low or zero-carbon transport options. (4) Climate & Environment Sub Group – The impact of energy use on climate change and environment. (5) Cleantech Finance.
Resources needed
Membership Fees + Support from Local Authorities + Other Income. Approximately €80,000 annually; of which Membership Fees account for 7%.
Income: 93% Public Funding (26% EU & 69% Cork City and County Councils) 7% Private (Membership Fees).
Staff: (1 FTE as Cluster Manager) + Volunteer Staff
Evidence of success
• Developed a stable and active networking forum of 85 firms in Cork’s energy sector
• Organising annual conferences, bi-monthly workshops and trade missions focused on delivering for members
• Promoting, attracting and meeting with potential FDI clients regarding Cork’s suitability for doing business
• Assisting local authorities with Covenant of Mayors SECAP
• Founding Energy Champion CLG & co-ordinating an application for European Green Capital
• Participation in EU’s Climate-KIC program
Potential for learning or transfer
Cluster initiatives are managed by specialised institutions - cluster organisations, which range from non-profit associations, through public agencies to companies. Cluster Organisations provides services to the member firms. Examples of cluster organisations and the significant benefits to their regions are available on www.clustercollaboration.eu.
Energy Cork balances their activities between job creation / member’s services / education and training / participation in European projects, and interacting with civil society to promote energy awareness. Energy Cork assists IDA Ireland in encouraging FDI opportunities to Cork – as a relevant industry cluster builds confidence and helps decision making in potential FDI companies. Energy Cork’s success has led to Enterprise Ireland (EI) supporting significant clustering initiatives across Ireland. Results of EI’s first funding call were published 0n 1/12/17, with support for Agri-food, Biotech and Fintech clusters.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Energy Cork