Podcasts about seai

From late-night brainstorming sessions to supermarket shelves, Noel Walsh introduces Solanti — a new Laois-founded electrolyte brand bringing Himalayan salt hydration products to Irish consumers through SuperValu. Tullamore entrepreneur Aonghus O'Donovan shares the story behind MyCelsius, an innovative cooling bracelet designed to help women experiencing hot flushes. William Walsh joins Ronan to explain how SMEs can reduce energy bills through SEAI's Easy Wins campaign, grants, and smarter efficiency upgrades. And ahead of the Leaving Cert, local business leaders reflect on exams, resilience, and why success is about far more than points.

The Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) has announced a new round of Government of Ireland funding of €20 million to support energy research and innovation under its 2026 National Energy Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Funding Programme and Energise Fellowship Programme. The RD&D call welcomes innovative energy research proposals that will help accelerate Ireland's transition to a clean, secure and affordable energy future, supporting national climate and energy objectives. The 2026 call is open to researchers across all disciplines and to public and private sector organisations, encouraging collaboration to deliver impactful and scalable solutions for Ireland's energy transition. The deadline for applications to the RD&D call for the call is 13:00, Tuesday 30th June 2026. SEAI is pleased to announce that the 2026 RD&D call involves co-funding partnerships with Met Éireann and Geological Survey Ireland. In parallel, the SEAI Energise Fellowship Programme 2026 calls are now open, offering opportunities for researchers to undertake high-impact, policy-relevant energy research. The programme aims to build capacity in the sustainable energy sector, strengthen the link between research and policy, and support evidence-based decision-making for Ireland's clean energy transition. Fellowships are available in both academic settings and within SEAI, with the SEAI-based fellowships offering a unique opportunity to gain direct experience of energy policy development and implementation. Eligibility for those has been expanded for 2026 to attract more senior and established researchers, including academic staff, broadening participation and strengthening the impact of the programme. The deadline for the SEAI based fellowships applications is 13:00, Thursday 11th June 2026, and for the academic fellowships is 13:00, Tuesday 30th June 2026. SEAI has supported energy research since 2002, with the RD&D programme playing a central role in delivering innovation across the energy sector. More than 300 projects have been supported to date, with total funding of over €120 million, spanning areas such as renewable energy, energy systems, energy management and efficiency, transport, energy policy, human behaviour and community engagement. What's new for 2026 The 2026 programme introduces several key updates: A revised thematic approach, focusing on priority research areas in line with government national priorities A new (optional) Offshore Renewable Energy RDD+ funding pathway, supporting projects that are relevant to offshore renewable energy, and require access to specialist test facilities outside Ireland, with funding of up to €2 million per project Enhancements to the Energise Fellowship Programme, broadening eligibility and strengthening links between research and policy Equal, diverse, and inclusive teams lead to higher productivity, creativity, and greater problem-solving ability, resulting in more impactful research. We strive to enhance opportunities to address gender imbalances in research leadership. Wider support is also available to support equality, diversity and inclusion including funding for those who may have additional support needs and accompanied travel for those with caring responsibilities. Further information is available at: https://www.seai.ie/seai research/research-funding/ Minister for the Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O'Brien, TD said: "This €20 million investment highlights the Government's strong commitment to driving innovation that will accelerate Ireland's transition to a clean, secure and affordable energy future. I welcome the continued growth of SEAI's RD&D and Energise Fellowship programmes, as well as the new Offshore Renewable Energy pathway, which will help position Ireland at the forefront of renewable innovation. I encourage researchers and organisations to apply and play a key role in shaping a more sustainable energy system." William Walsh, CEO of SEAI added: "Innovation...

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien announced a range of new and expanded measures under the New Residential Retrofitting Plan. These new measures included: new windows and doors grants. increased fixed grant levels for attic and cavity wall insultation with values set at up to 80% of median cost; and at up to 100% of median cost for those on qualifying welfare payments and for First Time Buyers (subject to scheme conditions). a greater focus on supports for undertaking retrofit measures on an incremental basis. increased heat pump grants to €12,500. improved grants to support Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies. new pilots focused on improving options for heat pump technology, including support for High Temperature Heat Pumps. providing support for older people accessing home energy retrofits under the Healthy Age Friendly Homes initiative. Energy poverty Minister O'Brien is delighted to announce that the Terms and Conditions in relation to the increased Approved Housing Bodies grant rates have now been finalised. These are now available to view on the SEAI's website: www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/publications/CEG-Application-Guidelines.pdf. Minister O'Brien commented: "I am delighted to announce the new grant rates for Approved Housing Bodies and households at risk of energy poverty participating in Community upgrade projects. In the Programme for Government we committed to take decisive action to provide warmer, more comfortable homes – as part of our drive to support energy affordability, security, and sustainability. "In the first quarter of the year, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) data shows a very positive upward trend with clear evidence of growth in both demand and output. The retrofit sector is mobilising and responding to the growing interest in energy upgrades underpinned by SEAI grant support. Applications to SEAI for individual home energy upgrades are up 186% on Q1 2025, and overall applications are up 96%. "The National Energy Affordability Taskforce, will identify, assess and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households. This work includes examining how to support increased uptake of home energy efficiency upgrades and continued development of the SEAI retrofit schemes in line with commitments in the Programme for Government." CEO of the SEAI William Walsh said: "These increased grants to Approved Housing Bodies and private, energy poor homes taking part in our community grant scheme, will make a big difference to those that need it most, giving them more control and security over their energy costs. This is how we reduce bills in the long-term — by breaking the link between the costs of running a household and volatile international fossil fuel markets. At SEAI we are here to help, no matter what stage a person is at. I really welcome the Minister's announcement today, which further adds to what is already available to help our most vulnerable." The new grant rates being made available today will support Approved Housing Bodies to upgrade some of their worst performing homes and switch to heat pumps. It will also support the upgrade of more multi-unit developments in Approved Housing Body ownership. New National Residential Retrofit Plan The new National Residential Retrofit Plan (2026) was launched in January. It phased in a range new, more affordable measures. Applications to SEAI so far in 2026 (year-on-year) have doubled. Over 29,000 applications were processed between January and March. These applications included: 7,000 have already applied for windows and doors grants. Grant go to €4,000 for windows; up to €1,600 for doors. Over 1,700 applications are in for attic insulation (up 80% year on year). Grants go up to €2,500. Over 1,000 applications came in for cavity wall insulation (up 60% year-on-year). Grants go up to €8,000 for wall insulation, including internal, external and cavity. Over 350 applications came in for ...

For this week's Ask the Expert, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Brian McIntyre, Programme Manager at SEAI, to discuss SEAI grants and answer any of your questions around solar panels and retrofitting.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has today published key insights from Ireland's National Comprehensive Heating and Cooling Assessment (HCA), highlighting the current challenges and opportunities for Ireland to significantly reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels for heating with significant delivery required to reduce heating emissions by almost 90% by 2050. Heating currently accounts for more than one-third of Ireland's total energy demand and almost one-quarter of national greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of Ireland's biggest climate and energy security challenges. Approximately 90% of Ireland's current heat demand is still met by fossil fuels, with around 80% dependent on imported energy sources. Ireland's biggest energy challenge The assessment also finds that a rapid transition to low-carbon heating technologies including electrification, district heating, renewable gases and waste heat recovery could significantly reduce heating emissions under a high-ambition scenario assessed within the report. Commenting on the Assessment, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien T.D. said: "Providing a comprehensive overview of the potential for efficient heating and cooling in Ireland, this report also gives us a timely insight into how Ireland can reduce its import dependency on fossil fuels for heating. The report highlights how this can be achieved through energy efficiency measures, electrification, district heating and incentivising indigenous renewable fuels for heat such as biomethane. "We have made major strides in decarbonising many areas of our society and our economy, including in particular the electricity sector. While we are making progress in decarbonising our built environment, more is needed. This report sets out pathways to achieve this." While the overall economic case for rapid heat decarbonisation is strong, the report notes that affordability will be critical to delivering a just transition for households and businesses. It highlights the importance of targeted grants, electricity pricing reform, long-term investment supports and clear policy signals to ensure households and businesses can transition confidently to low-carbon heating alternatives. SEAI noted that important progress is already underway through energy efficiency upgrades, increased heat pump deployment and wider climate action measures, but that significantly greater scale and pace of delivery will now be required to decarbonise Ireland's heat sector. William Walsh, CEO of SEAI, said: "We've looked at how we heat our homes and businesses and identified a number of ways we can break the link with oil and gas for good, giving Irish homeowners and businesses more security and control over their energy costs in the long-term. "Currently in Ireland, we are 90% reliant on fossil fuels for our heating. That means we are at the mercy of international affairs to price one of the core costs to any household or business. "Through coordinating our efforts and accelerating in areas such as the electrification of heating systems in our homes, businesses and public sector – our hospitals and schools, rapidly scaling district heating in dense urban areas, and using renewable fuels in hard to electrify areas like high temperature industrial uses, we can make a big difference. Reducing the amount of heat, we use is also crucial, and this is where energy efficiency measures and retrofitting become so important. "We've made progress in many of these areas, but it's not enough. We need a clear, long-term heat strategy, which puts Ireland on a path to energy independence and recognises areas for investment. District heating for example, a central component of many energy systems in other countries, is a major strategic opportunity for Ireland. "It will require a big effort, and we must do it in a way that protects our most vulnerable, but this assessment helps provide insights to how it can be done." The anal...

Following the strong turnout at the recent Newmarket-on-Fergus Community Energy Event, attention now turns to East Clare. Mountshannon Community Hall will host the SEAI Community Energy Event on Thursday, 21 May 2026 at 7pm. To discuss this further, Daragh Dolan was joined by SEC Mentor from Clare Local Development Company, Denise O'Brien and member of Mountshannon SEC Committee, Fiona Levie. Image (c) CLDC.IE

Caitriona Redmond, Irish Examiner consumer columnist

Wind Energy Ireland insists Kilmihil residents will see the benefits of the proposed Cahermurphy Windfarm. The representative group for the wind energy sector has pointed to a recent SEAI survey which shows 67% of people living within 10km of a windfarm in Ireland believe they've had a positive impact. The Cahermurphy West Windfarm would involve eight turbines up to 185 metres in height and the developer claims it has the potential to power up to 40,000 homes per year. Wind Energy Ireland CEO Justin Moran believes it's needed.

Join Stephen Buckley and Keith Delahan as they discuss the evolving landscape of renewable energy, the importance of industry standards, and practical insights into electrical safety and maintenance. This episode offers real-world experiences, technical discussions, and advice for professionals navigating the modern electrical and energy sectors.Main Topics:​The impact of social media and marketing transformations for local businesses​Current trends and challenges within the renewables sector in Ireland and the UK​Significance of certification, quality control, and regulatory compliance in electrical work​Smart strategies for PIRs, inspections, and ensuring safety standards​Future outlook on maintenance, retrofit projects, and the importance of industry collaboration​Local businesses like Powell Insulations' success stories and marketing strategies​Insights from Adam Powell on energy efficiency, grants, and the renewable boom​The risks and considerations around solar and energy retrofit installations​The role of SEAI certification in maintaining quality and trust​Technical discussion on electrical testing tools, PIR procedures, and recent inspection experiences​The importance of proper wiring, bonding, and avoiding shortcuts in electrical installations​Navigating project timelines, out-of-hours work, and client communications​The changing landscape of maintenance versus installation services in the industryPodcast sponsored by Snickers Workwear Ireland and Season 9 is also in association with Hager Ireland and N2 Electrical Wholesaler

Ireland's building energy rating, or BER system, is to be changed from next month - with the current 15 point scale set to be replaced by a simpler system.Joe Durkan, Head of Technical National Retrofit at SEAI joins Andrea to explain it all.

Susan Doyle has a PhD in ecology, specialising in birds, from UCD. She is working at MKO Research on an SEAI funded project called RE:HARRIER, which focuses on the interaction between hen harrier and wind farms in Ireland.

Cork Airport has announced that it will deliver Ireland's largest solar-powered carport, in conjunction with Greenvolt Next. A solar carport is a dual-purpose structure, where a canopy is being constructed and fitted with a roof of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The solar carport will provide shelter for parked cars in the Holiday Blue car park while also generating up to 20% of the airport's electricity needs into the future. The landmark project, which is expected to be completed in August 2027, has been grant supported by the Department of Transport and Department of Climate, Environment and Energy. Minister Darragh O'Brien TD and Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer TD attended the contract signing by Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director, Cork Airport and John Carty, Chief Commercial Officer, Greenvolt Next. The 1.7 MW carport, which is being constructed over the existing Holiday Blue car park, shall be rolled out in two phases – the first of which will start in early summer, with the second stage to commence in October. Once completed in latesummer 2027, it is envisaged that the 3,696 solar panels and 5 inverters will generate 1.5 GWh of renewable energy each year for the airport As well as delivering renewable energy and lowering CO? emissions at the airport by 355,056 KG based on Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) data, the carport will reduce annual electricity costs and boost operational efficiency by enabling on-site energy generation. In 2025, Cork Airport experienced its busiest year ever for passenger traffic, with a total of 3.46 million passengers. It was also named as Europe's Best Regional Airport by Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, acknowledging its efforts in promoting inbound tourism, adding new routes and its commitment to sustainable business. Cork Airport was also named as the "Best Performing Commercial Semi-State" for energy reduction by SEAI for two years running (2021, 2022). This new solar carport will further strengthen Cork Airport's sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport's overall sustainability strategy. The works on the construction of the new solar carport will be swiftly followed by an extension to the existing Holiday Blue Car Park, with 669 more long-term car parking spaces. Of those new spaces, 32 will be dedicated spaces for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM). The car park extension will also include new internal roadways, more trolley bays, attenuation and drainage work, along with tasteful landscaping works with a focus on native Irish plant species. Speaking at Cork Airport, Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O'Brien TD said: "The project was supported with over €2 million in Exchequer funding under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme. This programme was developed in 2024 to support regional state airports to reach their carbon emission reduction targets and build resilience against climate change. "Cork Airport was named as the "Best Performing Commercial Semi-State" for energy reduction by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for two years running (2021, 2022). This new solar carport will strengthen Cork Airport's sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport's overall sustainability strategy. The solar carport will generate up to 20% of the airport's electricity needs into the future." Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, added: "Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Cork Airport recorded its busiest year on record in 2025 with 3.46 million passengers choosing to use the airport which plays an important role in connecting the region to global markets, attracting investment and boosting inbound tourism. This targeted support is an indication of the importance Government attaches to regional State airports developing sustainable energy practices." Niall Ma...

William Walsh, Chief Executive of the SEAI, joins today's panel of Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central and Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, Mairéad Farrell, Sinn Féin TD for Galway West and Sinéad Gibney, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown.

Two students from University College Dublin have been announced as winners of the third annual EirGrid CleanerGrid Competition, following an event held in Dublin. Team members Peter McHugh and Rory Tobin from UCD's Master's of Energy Systems Engineering claimed first place for their data-driven model to reduce offshore wind dispatch down by optimally siting and sizing flexible energy storage systems, focusing on battery energy storage and hydrogen. With a top prize of €12,000 (€6,000 for the winning student team and €6,000 for the student's third-level institute), this year's theme asked students to explore "Opportunities and challenges in accelerating offshore wind potential." The award was presented to the winners by a panel of expert judges – Louise O'Flanagan, Head of Asset Management and Engineering at EirGrid, James Ives, CEO of XOCEAN, Dee Kehoe, Continuous Professional Development Director at Engineers Ireland, Dr. Brendan Cahill, Programme Manager for Innovation & International Research at SEAI and Dr. David Tosh, Lecturer in Terrestrial Ecology and Course Director at Ulster University. The CleanerGrid competition run by EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, aims to foster innovation and creativity by encouraging students to showcase their skills in solving critical energy challenges, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency and clean energy technologies. Entrants were asked to present innovative, practical solutions that address both the opportunities and obstacles in developing Ireland's offshore electricity infrastructure. Among the ideas put forward by the three competing teams of finalists included the use of autonomous underwater vehicles and a dashboard to monitor wind turbine outages off Ireland's coast. These teams were selected from a strong field of thirty-two submissions, involving 115 students across nine higher-level institutions. Following the event, the students spoke positively of their experience. "Offshore is a relatively young industry in Ireland, so to be able to learn more about it has been really interesting. We might have done a lecture or two in our course before, but we understand the landscape much better now," said McHugh. "We started looking at the project back in October, so we had plenty of time to think about the prompt and decide what we wanted to do." Tobin added, "There is a big drive to increase the number of renewables on our grid, and our project looked to address how that can be achieved successfully with offshore. I really enjoyed the process, and energy is an industry I would be interested in working in, in the future." Congratulating all the teams on an engaging series of presentations, EirGrid Chief Transformation, Technology and Offshore Officer Liam Ryan said, "This is our third annual CleanerGrid completion and year-on-year it is fantastic to see the projects designed by third-level students. Offshore wind has the potential for transformative opportunities for Ireland and is essential for strengthening our energy security, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and meeting our climate targets. Bringing students and young people with us on that journey is key. "Through our third-level institutions, these students are immersed in the latest cutting-edge innovations, and their research and fresh thinking are more valuable than ever, as we move toward delivering Government targets for a sustainable, resilient, renewable energy system. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the competition and to the three teams who presented in today's final." More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now ...

We're all being encouraged to upgrade our homes to make them more sustainable, but with new windows, solar panels and insulation, it can get expensive…SEAI grants are available, but they come with many conditions and require the homeowner to pay a lot up front. At least, that's the view of some people.So, how difficult is it to get one of these grants, and is it worth the effort?Joining Seán to discuss is Peter Finn, AKA Pete the Builder, Presenter of ‘Home Rescue' and the ‘Behind the Walls' podcast.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has announced that it awarded more than €20 million in Government funding to 34 new national energy research awards under the SEAI National Energy Funding Programme in 2025. This comprises of 25 Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) projects and 9 Energise Fellowships. Funding for these awards is provided by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. The RD&D projects funded by SEAI span small, medium, and large-scale initiatives across critical energy areas including offshore wind, bioenergy, district heating, green hydrogen, sustainable transport, forecasting, smart buildings, carbon capture, and environmental and climate targets. The Energise Fellowships Programme supports early-career and mid-career researchers, building national research capacity, strengthening the Irish energy research ecosystem, bridging the research to policy gap and accelerating the development of future research leaders. The 2025 Energise Fellowships are supporting research across areas including energy poverty alleviation, offshore renewable energy, carbon capture, energy efficient buildings, biofuels, and green hydrogen. In 2025, SEAI collaborated with three co?funding partners in the RD&D call, each supporting strategically important research themes: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – co-funding research on sustainable feedstocks for anaerobic digestion Climate Change Advisory Council – co-funding the development of low?emission and equitable transport strategies Met Éireann – co-funding a project on renewable energy forecasting in Ireland's changing climate SEAI acknowledges the value of these partnerships in scaling up national research impact and supporting evidence-based climate and energy policy. The 2025 SEAI National Energy Funding Programme awarded grants to project leads in several of Ireland's leading universities, technological institutions, and public-service and private-sector research organisations nationwide. These include University College Cork, University of Galway, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University of Limerick, Maynooth University, Technological University of Shannon, TU Dublin, Munster Technological University, Atlantic Technological University, Teagasc, the International Energy Research Centre (IERC), Tipperary Energy Agency, HeatGrid Ireland Ltd and Dowmann Limited. The programme will benefit a broad selection of organisations across all projects and fellowships with 16 receiving funding as leads or partners and 29 as collaborators. Speaking on today's announcement, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien, TD said: "I am delighted to see the award of these 34 innovative energy research projects and fellowships. Ireland recently reached a landmark of 8GW of renewable energy. The best way to deliver long term energy independence and affordable costs for Irish households and businesses is to continue to deploy home-grown renewable energy at scale. Recent events in the Middle East have reiterated the importance of reducing Ireland's dependence on imported fossil fuels. These projects will explore important areas of research, that in turn can enhance the delivery of sustainable, secure, and affordable energy for all." William Walsh, CEO at SEAI, added: "These projects have the potential to transform Ireland's energy system. From floating wind, to using AI to enhance the efficiency of renewables, this research is on the cutting-edge of technology and international best practice. "Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels will mean a cleaner, healthier, more resilient and competitive future for our country. It will reduce our energy bills and put our country on a more secure footing. At SEAI, we fund the research that will make that vision a reality. Congratulations to the teams awarded this funding and thank you for the significant contribution you have made, and...

We're all being encouraged to upgrade our homes to make them more sustainable, but with new windows, solar panels and insulation, it can get expensive…SEAI grants are available, but they come with many conditions and require the homeowner to pay a lot up front. At least, that's the view of some people.So, how difficult is it to get one of these grants, and is it worth the effort?Joining Seán to discuss is Peter Finn, AKA Pete the Builder, Presenter of ‘Home Rescue' and the ‘Behind the Walls' podcast.

Dr. Ciaran Byrne, Director of Retrofitting, SEAI, joins the panel of Paul McAuliffe, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North-West, Jen Cummins, Social Democrats TD for Dublin South-Central and Roderic O'Gorman, Green Party Leader & TD for Dublin West.

Activ8 Solar Energies has announced the commissioning of a major rooftop solar installation at the Tayto Snacks production facility in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, representing an investment of over €1.17 million. The project marks Tayto's largest renewables investment to date and a significant step towards onsite renewable energy generation. The system now supplies approximately 10% of Tayto's annual power demand and is expected to generate around 667 MWh annually. This will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 146.17 tonnes of CO? per year. The project comes as Irish manufacturers face rising electricity costs, grid constraints and tightening climate targets, accelerating a shift towards onsite generation as businesses seek greater control over energy supply. "This project demonstrates what's possible when iconic Irish brands take decisive action on sustainability," said Ciaran Marron, CEO of Activ8 Energies. "On-site generation is increasingly becoming core infrastructure for manufacturers. We're proud to support Tayto Snacks in building long-term energy resilience while reducing carbon exposure." John O'Connor, Managing Director at Tayto Snacks commented: "This investment marks a major step forward in strengthening our energy resilience while reducing our carbon footprint. Generating over 667 MWh of clean electricity onsite each year, this installation directly supports Ireland's climate ambitions and reinforces our long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing". The rooftop system comprises 1,734 solar panels and uses Activ8's ATLAS Duo N-Type bifacial solar panels, designed to maximise efficiency and reliability in Irish weather conditions Representing Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Declan Meally, Director of Business, added: "This project showcases Irish businesses leading the way in renewable energy. Generating 10% of the site's energy from rooftop solar here at Tayto Snacks is a significant achievement, and SEAI is proud to support it. Activ8, working in partnership with SSE, has delivered a strong model that more businesses should follow." The initiative was supported by grant funding from SEAI under the Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant (NDMG) scheme. Planning and development for the project began in December 2024, with onsite works commencing in March 2025. The system is now fully commissioned and operational. See more stories here.

Looking to do some home energy upgrades but don't know where to start?For this week's Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Brian McIntyre, Programme Manager at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to answer any questions you might have!

According to new Amárach research carried out on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment more than four in five businesses (85%) say sustainability is important to the day-to-day running of their business and have considered retrofitting . The findings of the second phase of SME Sustainability Research – Wave 2 were announced by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke T.D. and are in line with the previous year's findings. The value of retrofitting The survey of 344 SMEs shows that two in five had taken steps such as insulating their buildings or changing their windows in the past two years to improve their energy efficiency. Speaking at the launch, Minister Burke said by doing so these businesses would also be cutting their energy costs and would become more competitive: "It's really encouraging to see businesses reducing their costs by tackling the energy usage in their buildings. There is however another sizeable cohort of businesses (44%) who cite upfront investment costs as a barrier to becoming more sustainable. "That's why I'd ask SMEs to avail of the Local Enterprise Offices' Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) and the SEAI's Building Energy Upgrade Scheme (BEUS) to buy energy efficient equipment and to retrofit their buildings. I changed the terms and conditions of the energy efficient grant last year so that a 75% grant is now available, up to a maximum of €10,000, which can make a huge difference to energy bills. In 2025, 681 small business were approved for the EEG at estimated value of €5.7 million, while 186 BEUS grants with an estimated value of €3.36 million were approved." Minister Burke announced the research at Wholesome Kitchen, Dominick St, Mullingar which had recently used the Climate Toolkit 4 Business to understand their environmental impact. Businesses can now also use the Toolkit to measure their Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Minister Burke said by estimating their environmental impact, SMEs can start to tackle it: "Through this research we can see that businesses are also concerned that their staff may not implement sustainability measures. The Toolkit is free so anyone can use it to understand their business's carbon footprint, and it will provide information on where to access the Government's sustainability and energy supports." This year's survey included questions on the potential of the circular economy to Irish businesses. Minister of State for Employment, Small Business & Retail and Circular Economy Alan Dillon T.D. said it's clear that businesses are seeing the enormous value of re-using, recycling and minimising waste: "Not only did more than one in three (35%) respondents say that they already participate in the circular economy, of those that don't, a quarter are interested in doing so. By supporting businesses to reuse resources, reduce waste and keep materials in circulation for longer, they will not only become more sustainable they will cut costs and become more competitive." Key Findings 85% of businesses say sustainability is important to their business on a day-to-day basis, maintaining the high levels recorded in the 2024 research. Businesses said that making a positive difference (35%) and saving money (34%) were the top motivations in becoming sustainable. Just over a quarter of business say that climate change is currently affecting their operations, rising significantly among larger firms and those operating for more than 20 years. Among affected businesses, adverse weather is now the dominant impact, reflecting the growing reality of extreme weather events. Most sustainability action is concentrated in practical, cost-effective areas: waste reduction (49%), energy efficiency (44%), and renewable energy adoption (33%) remain the most common measures adopted by businesses. The main barrier for organisations to act more sustainably remained upfront investment costs (22%), although at a lower rate compared to 2024. This research was under...

Guests: -Wildlife expert Eanna Ni Lamhna John Drennan Mail on SundayBrian McIntyre Programme Manager SEAI Natasha Rocca Devine on the 10 high impact interiors changes you can make for 2026

Jerry spoke to Brian McIntyre, SEAI Programme Manager - High Performance Building Technologies about the National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026.  This includes being able to avail of a new grant of up to €4,000 for new windows and doors.  You may contact the SEAI at 01 802 2100.

William Walsh - Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), on their Energy in Ireland 2025 report.

Ireland's energy emissions are down 16% since 2018, even as the population has grown, but a new SEAI report warns progress is far too slow. To meet 2030 climate targets, emissions cuts must now more than double, with transport and energy infrastructure under particular pressure. All to discuss with Margie McCarth, Director of Research and Policy Insights at SEAI.

Welcome to The Doctor Who: Alhambra Podcast, our Doctor Who centric podcast that discusses the recent DW and Big Finish news, reviewing Doctor Who audios from Big Finish, both classic and new series Doctor Who episodes, and much more! In this episode of the Doctor Who Alhambra Podcast, host Brett looks at some articles and some fan chatter about The War Between the Land and the SeaI, as well as The Doctor Who Christmas Special for 2026, and more! Welcome and Synopsis to EP 393 - 00:00:00 Excuses for BBC & Disney Doctor Who Failing - 00:01:19 RTD Makes BBC Bosses Jaws Agape!  - 00:10:04 Conclusion, Contact Info & Copyright - 00:17:27 Articles Referenced in this episode are: Radio Times: https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-stunned-bbc-newsupdate/ Winer is Coming: https://winteriscoming.net/doctor-who-disney-deal-ending-sets-up-return-exciting-bbc-blueprint-next-season  DWAP Blog with AI's Season 1 and Episode Breakdown:  https://alhambrapodcast.weebly.com/blog/results-from-ai-writing-season-1-for-a-new-doctor-who-season   Stay tuned for more Doctor Who goodness, including monthly Big Finish reviews, audio commentary, retro-reviews, the DWAP "Rassilon Seal of Approval" and beyond! 

With over 25 years of experience in home energy upgrades, Ashgrove Renewables invites you to the Radisson Blu Hotel on Monday, 24th November at 6:30pm to learn about vacant and derelict house grants, additional SEAI upgrade grants, the application process and real-life success stories. Homeowners are showing huge interest in bringing empty or run-down properties back to life, and this event could help you do just that. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Shane Murphy, Sales and Technical Director at Ashgrove Renewables. Image (c) Ashgrove Renewables via Instagram

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, has announced €34.5 million in funding to support 39 cutting-edge research projects. Announcing the awards, Minister Lawless said: "We are investing in cutting-edge, curiosity-driven research, and empowering individual researchers to progress bold ideas that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. These awards demonstrate our dedication to building a diverse and inclusive research community that delivers impact for our society and economy. I look forward to seeing the development and outputs of these projects over the coming years." Dr Diarmuid O'Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, commented: "Research Ireland's Frontiers for the Future Programme has, at its core, the exploration of high-risk, high-reward ideas, and the building of collaborative teams that produce excellent research. We are proud to be partnering with Children's Health Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, and supporting 66 PhD students, 47 postdoctoral researchers, and 13 other research positions." This year's Frontiers for the Future Programme was co-funded by Children's Health Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, who collectively contributed €2.8 million to the programme. Fionnuala O Leary, CEO, Children's Health Foundation, commented: "Children's Health Foundation is extremely proud to support the Frontiers for the Future Programme which empowers researchers to pursue innovative ideas which have the potential to transform outcomes for sick children. None of this can be achieved without the incredible generosity of the Foundation's supporters who trust us to invest in the next generation of scientific discovery and helping to drive meaningful, lasting impact for sick children". Orla Dolan, CEO of Breakthrough Cancer Research said, "Breakthrough Cancer Research focuses our research investment on the lowest survival cancers because we urgently need smarter, kinder, and more effective treatments to improve survival. We are thrilled to partner with Research Ireland to support bold, creative new ideas and researchers to meet the urgent needs of people diagnosed with these very challenging cancers - to deliver impact where it's needed most." "SEAI is proud to continue our partnership with Research Ireland as we know that investing in cutting-edge research is essential to delivering the technologies and systems that will underpin Ireland's clean energy transition" said Kerrie Sheehan, Head of Research, Innovation and Electricity at SEAI. "We're delighted to co-fund two projects focusing on energy storage and an award for offshore energy data collection through the Frontiers for the Future Programme, that will support emerging energy technologies to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy." Highlights of this year's funded research include: Projects: Developing new materials to create longer-lasting, more sustainable batteries as alternatives to current lithium-ion technology, co-funded by SEAI (Prof. Hugh Geaney, University of Limerick). Designing a biodegradable 3D-printed stent material to help heal spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis (Dr Ciara Murphy, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences). [Photo attached] Building computer models that better predict long-term outcomes for babies affected by birth-related oxygen loss (Prof. Brian Walsh and Prof. Deirdre Murray, University College Cork). Awards: Exploring Irish ecosystems to discover novel yeast species with potential for use in food, biofuels, and biotechnology (Prof. Geraldine Butler, University College Dublin). Developing safer, low-cost alternatives to precious metal catalysts to convert ammonia into useful chemicals for medicines, agriculture, and industry (Dr Daniela Bezuidenhout, Maynooth University). Explore how early-life memories are lost and how this process differs in autism and be...

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has published its latest set of energy and related emission figures up to the first half of 2025. This provisional data indicates that the residential sector is likely to stay within the first carbon budget allocation, but the key energy sectors of transport and electricity will likely exceed their allocations this year. Achieving our climate targets will mean healthier, more comfortable homes, more competitive businesses and more affordable, secure energy for all. Faster technology change and ensuring we are efficient and strategic in how we use energy will be crucial. This provisional data helps us see if we're on track. Commenting on the data, Margie McCarthy, SEAI's Director of Research and Policy Insights, said: "We've made progress over the last 5 years, including the blending of biofuels for our road vehicles, scaling up of solar farms and wind generation, home energy upgrades, and EV roll-out, but these figures highlight that we need to do a lot more, and fast, to reach our targets." This latest data shows that, barring an extended cold snap at the end of 2025, emissions from the residential sector are likely to remain within their sectoral ceiling in the first carbon budget. Residential demand for both natural gas and heating kerosene was lower in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year, driven by a combination of warmer weather, higher energy prices and household retrofits. Future progress on residential emissions in the second carbon budget (2026-2030) will be further boosted by the Government's recent allocation of a further €568 million towards energy efficiency measures in Budget 2026. Demand for road diesel in the first half of 2025 was 3.2% lower compared to the same period last year. The record levels of biofuel blending at garage forecourts and a record number of electric vehicles on our roads have positively impacted transport sector emissions. SEAI's data shows that transport emissions in the first half of 2025 were 2.0% lower than the same period last year. However, despite this welcome reduction, SEAI's analysis indicates that Ireland exceeded its transport emission allocation for the first carbon budget earlier this year. Since September 2025, Ireland's transport sector has effectively been emitting against its future allocations in the second carbon budget, which is meant to cover the 2026-2030 period. Despite a 2.8% increase in electricity demand, SEAI's data shows that Ireland's electricity sector emissions in the first half of 2025 were largely unchanged from the same period last year. Increased demand was largely met through greater use of imported electricity via international interconnectors. SEAI's best estimate is that Ireland's electricity emission allocation for the first carbon budget could be exceeded sometime in November 2025. Renewable generation in the first half of 2025 has not increased significantly, compared to the same period last year. Commenting on the data, Margie McCarthy, SEAI's Director of Research and Policy Insights, said: "As we near the end of our first national carbon budget, this data provides timely updates on Ireland's energy and related emissions. "Taking stock of what's been achieved and where we have lagged at the end of this first carbon budget should be a decisive moment for both our economy and climate. If we achieve net demand reductions and deploy clean energy faster, then Ireland can build an energy system that's secure, affordable, and healthier for everyone, and gives us a chance to meet our climate obligations." "While Ireland's energy transition presents short-term challenges, its long-term benefits will be enormous. From warmer homes and more energy-efficient businesses to a more resilient and future-proof economy. We simply cannot afford not to act. Either as individuals or as a society", Margie McCarthy concluded. SEAI's mid-year Review for the first half of 2025 can be viewed he...

A campaign is underway in County Clare to encourage and support eligible homeowners to apply for fully funded upgrades under the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS). Across Clare, around 3,000 homeowners are eligible for a fully funded energy upgrade through the SEAI's Warmer Homes Scheme, but many people who qualify aren't yet aware of it or haven't applied. To share more, Bridget Ginnity, member of Ennis Sustainable Energy Community joined Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus.

Dr Paul Deane, Senior lecturer in Energy at University College Cork, assesses the Sustainable Energy Authority's call for more to be done to meet climate change goals.

How Ireland is making homes warmer, cheaper to run, and lower-carbon—at real scale—and what you should actually do first. Ireland's Retrofit Race Ireland set out to decarbonise its housing by upgrading existing homes—insulation first, fossil heating out, heat pumps and other renewables in. Dr. Ciarán Byrne from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland explains what “retrofit” really means, where the numbers stand, what's working, and how to start your own upgrade without getting overwhelmed. Ireland's Retrofit Race with Dr. Ciarán Byrne “Anything you do in this space is no-regrets work.” Dr. Ciarán Byrne C Dir Why listen to Ireland's Retrofit Race Plain-English retrofit 101: What counts, what doesn't, and why external wall insulation can make a whole street look brand new. Real progress, real targets: Thousands of upgrades each year, with a growing share of homes reaching a strong BER rating. Money + logistics, demystified: Grants that can be netted off your bill, low-cost green loans, and why using registered contractors matters. Old buildings, smart fixes: How “breathable” materials and traditional-home know-how avoid moisture traps in heritage fabric. Myths busted: You usually don't need to move out for a deep retrofit; confusion often comes from bundling retrofits with kitchen or bathroom refits. Ireland's Retrofit Race Pilot Projects Under 1 Minute Snippet Chapters (00:00:00) - What is retrofitting? A home-energy upgrade: insulate the fabric (walls, roof, doors, windows), then swap fossil heat for renewable systems like heat pumps.(00:03:00) - Targets & the clock: Carbon budgets arrive in five-year blocks; scaling now matters because the decade is “back-end loaded.”(00:04:30) - Scorecard: Applications and completions climbing, more homes hitting BER B2, and solid momentum behind insulation-first pathways.(00:09:30) - Scorecard: Applications and completions climbing, more homes hitting BER B2, and solid momentum behind insulation-first pathways.(00:16:00) - The homeowner journey: Make action easy; reduce clicks and complexity; balance demand with trained, inspected, registered contractors.(00:20:00) - Grants that actually move: Faster approvals, one-stop shops that can net off aid, and quality assurance through inspections.(00:30:00) - “Isn't this only for the wealthy?” Attic insulation is often the cheapest, best first step; green finance covers the rest.(00:33:00) - Deep retrofit myths: Staying put vs. moving out—and why people conflate retrofits with other renovations.(00:34:00) - Heritage & physics: Permeable vs. impermeable materials and a growing evidence base for doing old buildings right(00:37:00) - What's next: Optimised construction, off-site panels, digital twins—promising, but still at early stage locally.(00:40:00) - SEAI's role: “The meat in the sandwich”—bridging policy and delivery while simplifying, standardising, consolidating.(00:41:00) - 2026 success looks like… Bigger numbers, smoother customer journeys, and a confident supply chain.(00:42:00) - Final advice: Check your BER and advisory report, explore grants/finance, pick registered contractors, and start now.

Ciaran Byrne, Director of National Retrofit, SEAI and Brian McIntyre, Programme Manager, SEAI

Ireland's electric vehicle market is booming, with registrations up 69% in August and over 20,000 new EVs licensed so far in 2025 - a 37% increase year-on-year. With one in six new cars now electric, EVs are becoming the mainstream choice for both drivers and businesses. This rapid growth makes the return of the Nevo Electric Vehicle Show to Dublin's RDS Simmonscourt this November especially timely - uniting industry leaders, public sector decision-makers and consumers for Ireland's largest ever showcase of electric mobility, clean energy and sustainable transport. The Nevo Electric Vehicle Show, in partnership with Bank of Ireland, is set to return to Dublin's RDS Simmonscourt this November with its most ambitious programme yet. Running across two days, Friday 7th November for businesses and Saturday 8th November for the general public, it will be Ireland's largest ever event dedicated to electric vehicles, clean energy, and sustainable mobility. Bank of Ireland is once again the show's title partner in 2025 while SSE Airtricity will continue as the exclusive Energy Partner, reflecting the growing importance of energy solutions in driving Ireland's shift to electrification. Every automotive brand operating in Ireland will be present, alongside exhibitors spanning public and home charging, solar energy, personal and public electric transport, smart home technology and wider energy services. Business day, on Friday, 7 November, is designed to help businesses, fleets, and the Public Sector of all sizes plan for a sustainable future. With climate targets looming, the event will bring together CEOs, CFOs, Heads of Fleet and Sustainability from across Ireland. The agenda will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions and case studies from organisations already transitioning to electric mobility. Workshops will be hosted throughout the day by GEOTAB, ESB, SSE, Activ8 Energies and Pragmatica, covering topics such as fleet management, smart energy, and business strategy development. The goal is to empower decision-makers to accelerate their journey towards net zero while also gaining practical advice on costs, infrastructure, and policy. For the general public on Saturday, 8 November, the Nevo EV Show promises a full day of discovery, excitement and hands-on experiences. Over 120 electric vehicles will be on display across 56 stands, representing 34 car brands. Nissan is confirmed as the official vehicle launch partner this year, where the brand will unveil the all-new Micra and the latest Leaf, marking their first official appearance in Ireland, giving visitors an exclusive first look. More than 30 vehicles will be available to test drive as part of the SSE Airtricity Driving Experience, while ESB ecars will showcase 12 vehicles in the new live demonstration area with EV expert Derek Reilly offering insights into performance, design and features. Visitors can also look forward to exclusive vehicle launches from more leading brands, expert panel discussions on everything from vehicle grants to charging, and a chance to explore the very latest in sustainable transport solutions. Attendance is once again expected to be significant! Organisers are targeting 10,000 registrations for the business day and 20,000 attendees for the public day, backed by a nationwide marketing campaign and strong support from event partners including Bank of Ireland, SSE Airtricity, ESB ecars, GEOTAB, ZEVI and SEAI. The Nevo EV Show aims to build on the extraordinary success of last year's event, which attracted almost 20,000 visitors. With a broader programme, bigger displays and more vehicles than ever before, the 2025 edition is shaping up to be Ireland's definitive showcase of the electric future. Admission is free, but registration is required. Tickets for both the Business Day and Public Day are available now at nevo.ie.

PJ hears what the SEAI has on offer to cut energy use from CEO William Walsh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over 6,500 SMEs have been directly supported by the all-of-Government National Enterprise Hub (NEH) in the first 12 months since its launch. The top grants availed of by businesses ranged in value from €3,000 to €7,000 and focused on supporting businesses with cashflow, expansion and productivity to help them deal with concerns around rising costs, and competitiveness. The National Enterprise Hub has attracted over 220,000 active online users to its website over the last 12 months and also offers a full-time dedicated phone line, connecting business owners with specialist advisors who can discuss potential grant options over the phone. The National Enterprise Hub, an initiative of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Enterprise Ireland, brings together information and resources on over 250 Government supports from 30 different Departments and State Agencies. Looking ahead, there will be a continued and renewed focus on simplifying business grant applications for SMEs engaging with the National Enterprise Hub. The businesses are from a range of industries however the majority fall within Tourism & Hospitality, retail & consumer products, food, health & beauty, professional services and the construction sector. This free service makes it easier and more efficient for businesses to access and avail of supports such as grants, funding, loans and expert advice across a range of sectors. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, said, "With over 6,500 companies engaging in its first 12 months, the National Enterprise Hub has proven effective in streamlining and simplifying access for SMEs to government supports, equipping them with vital digital and sustainability resources to navigate rising costs and stay competitive. Research from my Department shows that four in five businesses believe sustainability is important. An awareness campaign is currently underway showcasing how the NEH can support businesses in cutting costs through grants such as the LEO's Energy Efficiency Grant and SEAI's Business Energy Upgrade Scheme. My focus now with the NEH is on reducing administrative burdens and red tape for businesses by consolidating multiple grant applications into a single, simplified process. We must redouble our efforts to simplify processes for businesses and make sure that we think about small businesses first. I look forward to its continued growth and positive impact on Irish SMEs." Conor O'Donovan, Head of Start-Ups and the National Enterprise Hub, said: "SME engagement with the National Enterprise Hub has met and exceeded our targets to date, supporting 6,500 businesses within our first year of operation. One of the main aims of the Hub was to engage with businesses who haven't availed of government supports to date and to make the process of availing of government supports faster and easier." "We know that Irish SMEs are operating in a complex environment and being able to access grants and supports is more important than ever. Small businesses who are engaging with the National Enterprise Hub are concerned about rising cost of business and competitiveness - that is why a single source of government supports for businesses is important to ensure that accessing the right information is made easier. The National Enterprise Hub has a team of dedicated advisors who are directing SMEs to the right support that will help them. It's for every business in the country and we'd encourage every business to go online to neh.gov.ie or pick up the phone and start the conversation around your business needs today." Audrey Hughes, CEO of Principle HR, said: "Like so many Irish SMEs, we are focused on providing the highest quality of service delivery to our customers, while remaining competitive. Accessing government supports to assist can feel daunting but the National Enterprise Hub made the process so much easier by putting us in contact with the right agency whose support and expertise fitted our n...

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is inviting entries from individuals and organisations across all sectors of the Irish economy at the vanguard of Ireland's clean energy transition, to enter the 2025 SEAI Energy Awards. The Awards showcase exemplary achievements and inspire others to follow suit. More than 2,000 previous entrants over the past two decades have saved over half a billion euro by pursuing their sustainable energy ambitions. 2025 Entrants Can Choose from 10 Award Categories including: Large Business Small Business Residential Energy Upgrades Inspirational Sustainable Energy Community Transport Energy Research (comes with a €15,000 bursary prize) Last Year's Winners include: Mannok (Large Business) BWG Foods (Transport) Tallaght District Heating (Innovative Deployment of Renewable Energy) University College Dublin: Bike Library (Excellence in Research and Innovation) William Walsh, CEO SEAI, said: "SEAI's Energy Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible efforts of communities, businesses, public bodies, and individuals driving Ireland toward a sustainable energy future. These awards don't just celebrate progress - they spark it. They showcase fresh thinking, new ideas, and ground breaking innovations that are helping to phase out fossil fuels and power a greener tomorrow. As we gear up for the 2025 SEAI Energy Awards, we're excited to honour the next wave of changemakers and visionaries. Whether you are part of a local initiative, a pioneering business, or a passionate individual, we invite you to share your story. Enter the awards and help inspire the future." Closing date for entries is Friday, 18 July 2025. Overall winners will be announced at a lunch event in Dublin in Autumn 2025. Read here about the impact of winning the 2024 Team of the Year award had on Swords Pavilions and why they feel others should enter the SEAI Energy Awards.

As Ireland accelerates its offshore renewable energy ambitions, a new initiative is underway to safeguard marine ecosystems from underwater noise pollution, a growing global environmental concern. The Irish Marine Acoustics Platform (IMAP) research?project will establish Ireland's first systematic underwater acoustic monitoring programme. This noise monitoring programme will help to protect marine life by identifying, managing and mitigating the underwater radiated noise (URN) pollution which may occur during the building of offshore wind farms. Launched in April of this year, the project will run until December 2028 and is funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Marine Institute (MI) with the MaREI Centre in University College Cork (UCC) and Wind Energy Ireland as project partners. The project will record annual and seasonal variations in ambient sound levels throughout Irish coastal waters using hydrophones. These devices will be strategically placed around the entire Irish coastline, in line with proposed locations for offshore developments. Using advanced analytics, modelling and data infrastructure, the programme will enable offshore developers to ensure an appropriate balance is met between the need to develop renewable energy and the need to conserve our marine biodiversity. On conclusion of the research project, the data collected will be used to establish an underwater noise baseline to be used to determine future project viability. The IMAP project will also create expertise in a growing research area and provide the necessary underwater equipment to continue future exploration. Speaking about the research, Gerry Sutton, IMAP Project Lead at University College Cork, said: "This acoustic baseline project will help ensure Ireland's green energy transition doesn't come at the cost of our marine ecosystems. It is a critical step toward responsible development and will help to ensure that Ireland's offshore expansion proceeds sustainably, minimising ecological risks while cutting the carbon emissions which put marine life in danger." Kerrie Sheehan, Head of Research, Innovation and Electricity at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, added: "SEAI is pleased to support this project, which aligns with Ireland's ambitious goals for expanding the offshore wind sector to meet government targets for 2030 and 2050. "Co-funded by the Marine Institute, the project will investigate the potential impacts of underwater noise pollution from offshore infrastructure on marine ecosystems. The data collected, along with an online research portal, will serve as a vital resource for informed decision-making during the planning stages of offshore developments. "This initiative will help safeguard marine life while accelerating Ireland's transition to clean energy." Further information on the project can be found at https://info.windenergyireland.com/en-ie/imap.

This is the first in a series where we aim to learn more about Irish solar trends. Who are we talking to, is it a logical journey to what you do now? You're speaking to Morgan Pierce, the founder and CEO of SolarSmart. My journey to solar started with a passion for sustainability and a belief that solar energy should be accessible for everyone. I don't come from a typical engineering background, but I've always been driven by innovation and environmental impact. I founded the company in late 2020 as a result of seeing a gap in the Irish market for a customer-first approach to the solar energy market. So it's been a logical, if unconventional, path that led me here. Irish Solar Trends with Morgan Pierce, SolarSmart It looks like solar installations was something that gradually grew and evolved as a business for you - would this be a fair description of the evolution of your company? Absolutely. SolarSmart started small, with me, a vision, and commitment to help people understand the power and practicality of solar. It grew steadily through word of mouth, education and trust. We've now installed over 1,300 solar systems across Ireland. Our evolution reflects increasing awareness and increasing confidence in solar as a viable solution for Irish homes and businesses Does Ireland get as much / more / less solar than other countries in Europe? Ireland gets less solar irradiation compared to countries like Spain or Italy, but it's still very viable here. A little known fact is that solar panels produce more electricity in temperatures of 25 celsius and lower! So, combined with our very long summer days and temperate climate, solar production in summer creates significant credit on your electricity bill which you take into the winter to offset when the solar is not as productive. Plus, thanks to advancements in panel technology, even on cloudy days, panels generate significant energy. Germany has a very successful solar industry with similar sunlight levels to Ireland. The key is designing each system specifically for the Irish climate, which is something we specialise in at SolarSmart. How much energy does a typical three bed house need, and therefore how many panels, batteries and kit would they need? A typical three bed house in Ireland uses on average 4,500 kWh per year. A well-designed solar system for a home like this would typically include 10 panels. This system size also allows homeowners to avail of the maximum SEAI solar PV grant of €1,800. Adding a battery, usually 5 or 10 kWh in capacity allows you to store surplus energy for use at night. A hot water immersion diverter also helps maximise your self-consumption and reduce your bills. What are the approximate costs for this, and the payback period? The approximate cost for a fully installed 4kWp residential system including 10 panels, an inverter and a 5kW battery is €8,600. This is after the SEAI grant. The payback period depends on the home's energy usage and system size, but it typically falls between 4 and 6 years. Have these costs come down as solar panel technology has improved? Yes, significantly. Over the past decade, the cost of solar panels has dropped more than 70%, while efficiency has increased. Batteries have also become more affordable and efficient, helping homeowners use more of their own solar energy. This trend in battery affordability is likely to continue as global demand and battery innovation improves. What tips would you give to people thinking of installing solar? Talk to a reputable installer who will design a system to match your energy needs. Look for an SEAI-registered installer, check out their online reviews, e.g. on Trustpilot, and ask questions. Our installation teams are employees; this is also key. Finally, a solid solar partner is not pushy and prioritises education and transparency. What might the future look like in Ireland in terms of people going off the grid? Full off-grid living is still niche in Ireland due to our climate and i...

Energyfix, a newly launched, SEAI-registered one-stop-shop for energy upgrades, is to shake up the market, offering forward-funding of SEAI grants for homeowners. The company, operating from Galway, Cork and Dublin, aims to capitalise on Ireland's target of retrofitting 500,000 homes to a B2 Building Energy Rating (BER), by 2030, under the National Retrofit Plan. Offering homeowners and housing providers a simplified, turnkey route to energy-efficient living and cost-savings, the Irish-owned startup helps organise funding for clients, and subsidises the SEAI retrofit grant amount, not normally available for months after upgrade works are completed and verified. Energyfix one-stop-shop to upgrade energy ratings The aim is to become 'the' trusted retrofit partner for households across Ireland, Sean Armstrong, Managing Director of Energyfix, says. "We are delivering complete home energy upgrades, from initial assessment and grant application, through to funding advice, installation and final inspection. Our comprehensive service removes the complexity and red tape, and we specialise in helping homeowners unlock the highest available grant funding." Energyfix works with homeowners, Approved Housing Bodies, and commercial property owners on fully managed retrofit solutions. Every stage of the process, including technical surveys, procurement, grant handling, project delivery and quality checks is overseen by a team of experienced engineers, project managers and retrofit specialists. Unlike other providers, Energyfix forward-funds SEAI grants, easing cashflow and borrowing requirements. "This means homeowners only need fund the net cost of works, less the grant amount promised," Armstrong explains. "We're making it financially accessible to upgrade older homes, cut energy bills, and increase property values, while, at the same time, contributing to Ireland's emissions targets." Retrofitted energy upgrades can include attic and wall insulation, heat pumps, new windows and doors, or solar panels. Homeowners' investment can range from €6,000 upwards, depending on the scale of work undertaken and the size and condition of the property. Average costs for full retrofitting are in the region of €70,000 to €90,000, before grant funding is applied, according to Sean Armstrong of Energyfix. Government grants are provided through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and funding, which can amount to tens of thousands, is released on project completion, usually 4-6 weeks after necessary documentation is submitted and verified, including the new post-works Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment. As well as private homeowners, Energyfix partners with Approved Housing Bodies to design and deliver retrofit programmes that enhance tenant comfort, tackle energy poverty, and reduce carbon emissions in line with Government targets. Typical Energyfix retrofit projects would include a detached family home, upgraded to a B2 BER through external insulation, triple-glazed windows, and a heat pump. This normally results in a drop in energy consumption in the region of 40%, and savings of €1,200 on annual heating bills, on top of an enhanced property value. For more information, or to book an assessment, visit www.energyfix.ie ABOUT ENERGYFIX Energyfix is an SEAI-registered one-stop-shop offering end-to-end home energy upgrade solutions for homeowners, property owners, and housing bodies across Ireland. With offices in Galway, Dublin, and Cork, the company delivers fully managed retrofit services, from initial home assessments and grant applications to design, installation, and final inspections. By forward-funding SEAI grants, and coordinating all technical and project delivery elements, Energyfix makes it easier and more affordable for clients to achieve energy-efficient homes. The company also works closely with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to deliver strategic retrofit programmes that support Ireland's national climate targets and redu...

New electric vehicle sales here dipped last year by 24% when compared to 2023, further making a mockery of the government's target of 1 million EVs on Irish roads by 2030.A reduction in the SEAI grant and gaps in charging infrastructure fed into consumer uncertainty when it comes to making the switch from petrol and diesel vehicles.But that trend looks to be reversing this year, something that Lisa Brankin, chairman and managing director of Ford UK & Ireland, will be keen to see accelerate.She joined host Cliff Taylor in studio to discuss the challenges of going electric, her plans for the company's future, and the launch of Ford Power Promise across Ford's range of electric cars in Ireland.Also on this week's episode of Inside Business, AIB's Economic Outlook Report for May highlights how global uncertainty and an escalation in trade tariffs could lead to a slowdown in global and Irish growth in 2025 and 2026.That said, the report also points out that the Irish economy has built up a certain level of resilience to withstand a potential trade shock in the short term.AIB Chief Economist David McNamara went through the risk US tariffs and future US tax policy pose, and the outlook for 2025 and 2026.Produced by John Casey and Suzanne Brennan with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) today published the Interim National Energy Balance for 2024, which provides data on Ireland's energy use last year, and how this energy was produced. Ireland's energy-related emissions are now at their lowest level in over 30 years, falling a further 1.3% last year. This marks an overall decrease of 11% since carbon emissions targets were introduced in 2021 and the third consecutive year with an emissions reduction. This drop in emissions comes despite an increase in overall energy use, which grew by 2.3% last year. Increased use of bioenergy and technologies such as solar PV and heat pumps meant that renewable energy supplied 14.5% of Ireland's energy requirements last year, a slight increase on last year's figure of 14%. SEAI estimates that emissions from the electricity sector were down by 7.5% on 2023 figures. Although renewable generation capacity increased from 2023, renewables supplied a slightly lower share of Ireland's electricity than in 2023. This is explained by the increase in electricity demand outpacing the increase in renewable generation, as well as grid constraints and lower wind outputs. The top three sources of electricity in Ireland last year were again natural gas (42.1%), wind (31.7%), and net imports from interconnectors (14%). Commenting on the Interim Energy Balance results, Margie McCarthy, Director of Research and Policy Insights at SEAI said: "Firstly, it's important to celebrate that Ireland's energy emissions profile is now at the lowest level in over 30 years, meaning the changes we are making are going in the right direction. Last year saw record levels of solar PV generation, record levels of heat pumps and further growth in overall renewable energy share. These were all driven by positive policy decisions." "Increased energy demand challenges our ability to meaningfully grow our renewable energy share of generation. The data shows two clear messages - if we are to meet our targets, we have no time to wait, we need to accelerate our deployment of renewable energy technologies and we have to make wise decisions on energy demand growth." "We must continue to invest in renewable technologies and interconnectors, we must continue to retrofit our housing and public building stock, and we must continue to move to more active and public transport options where possible. Only with collective effort and buy in will we achieve the changes needed in our consumption behaviours to realise the energy transition." Transport emissions were down by just 1.2% year on year, despite significant advancements in biofuel blending, and despite progress in the EV transition. Over-reliance on private vehicles continues to erode this progress. Meanwhile, heating emissions increased by 2.4%, likely because 2024 was cooler than 2023, though 2024 temperatures remained above average. Margie McCarthy, Director of Research and Policy Insights, said: "The longer we wait to take meaningful action, the harder it will be to achieve our climate commitments. The reality is that multiple global crises gave us a head start in our energy reduction efforts, where Covid-reduced travel, and energy price increases, plus warmer than average winters have all played a role in reducing our national emissions to date. Yet we still remain short of where we need to get to." "The good news is that we know what needs to be done to reach our targets. Our data enables us to be hopeful about the Ireland we want in the future and how we can all make changes now to realise prosperous, healthier and cleaner lives. But it will require a collective commitment to supporting this critical change. Driving and supporting climate action at a national and local level is needed. As individuals, we need to embrace renewable technologies and energy efficiency efforts in our local areas, reduce our reliance on private vehicles and think more about how we are using our heat and electricity. On a policy level, we...

Margie McCarthy, Director of Research and Policy Insights with the SEAI, talks to Rachael about a new report which shows how energy use across all sectors in Ireland is generated and how it is changing.

As we move into warmer summer months, thinking of better ways to heat our homes is probably the last thing on our minds. However, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) advises that now is the perfect time to invest in home energy upgrades, as doing so will ensure your home is well prepared for the winter months to come. Upgrading your home is now easier than ever, with SEAI registered One Stop Shops offering a wide range of Government grants for both individual energy upgrades, such as attic and wall insulation, as well as a complete home energy upgrade where you bring your home to a B2 BER rating or even better. According to Brian McIntyre, spokesperson for the SEAI, "SEAI offers a range of Government funded home energy upgrade grants to suit most budgets and circumstances. Some people might want to take a step-by-step approach, doing one or two upgrades over time for greater flexibility. Investing in the likes of attic and wall insulation is a great starting point for those looking to start their home energy upgrade journey. And with the generous grants, ranging from up to €1,500 for attic insulation and €8,000 for wall insulation, SEAI is here to support you every step of the way. Lots of homeowners are already reaping the benefits, with SEAI supporting almost 70,000 attic and wall insulations in the last five years alone." McIntyre went on to say "SEAI's registered One Stop Shops now offer fully managed individual energy upgrades as well as a complete home energy upgrade service, making it even easier for homeowners to start their upgrade journey. A big plus for the homeowner is that the value of the grant is deducted upfront from the cost of works, making it even more affordable." Home energy upgrades are long-term investments which will significantly improve home comfort and health, reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills. Plus, they will increase the value of your home. At SEAI, we believe everyone deserves a more comfortable, energy efficient home. Apply for your grants today and enjoy a more energy efficient home that works harder to save you money. For further information about SEAI Home Energy Upgrade grants visit here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Listeners got in touch with the show to tell their stories of the traumatic after-effects of burgalry. Susan discusses the difficulties she has had accessing an SEAI grant

We hear from a listener who used a solar pannel installer from the SEAI portal Do you fancy sending your child to quaint rural Gaelscoil? Listeners get in touch about the complexities and benefits of sheep dog training. Hair salons for those with autism.

Ciaran Byrne, Director of National Retrofit with the SEAI.

William Walsh, CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on the findings of their 2024 review.

Send us a textHello, listeners, and welcome to another episode of our grief journey. Today, we will bid farewell to the podcast in this heartfelt episode. Joined by co-host Sherrie Dunlevy, we discuss the emotional journey of letting go, the importance of rituals, and creating meaningful transitions. Anne reflects on memorable moments, gratitude, and support from listeners and guests. The episode concludes with a symbolic funeral for the podcast, celebrating its impact and growth.Letting go of a legacy project wasn't easy. The podcast was to end this year and shouldn't be taken lightly. To do it justice, I enrolled in this helpful class created by Dr. Sarah Kerr and learnt the difference between a good funeral and a bad one. If interested, please see the details here. I used this knowledge to support me in creating a ritual for our final interview.The music used at the beginning is called Shooting the Breeze and was the intro/outro music used since the podcast beganThe link to listen to the poem The Journey written and read by Anne written by Dr. Barry WhitneyThe final music called Summer Positive Jazz began and ended our interviews for the last few years.Here are the words to the song by Rod Stewart I'm SailingI am sailing, I am sailingHome again 'cross the seaI am sailing stormy watersTo be near you, to be free[Verse 2]I am flying, I am flyingLike a bird 'cross the skyI am flying, passing high cloudsTo be with you, to be free[Chorus]Can you hear me, can you hear meThro' the dark night, far awayI am dying, forever cryingTo be with you, who can sayCan you hear me, can you hear meThro' the dark night far awayI am dying, forever cryingTo be with you, who can say[Verse 3]We are sailing, we are sailingHome again 'cross the seaWe are sailing stormy watersTo be near you, to be free[Outro]Oh Lord, to be near you, to be freeOh (My) Lord, to be near you, to be freeOh LordOh Lord, to be near you, to be freeOh (My) Lord, to be near you, to be freeOh LordYou can get Sherrie Dunlevy's book, "How Can I Help?' Your Go-To Guide for Helping Loved Ones,” on Amazon https://amzn.to/3qC1WBWor for a signed copy, go to her website!Website: https://www.graduatinggrief.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3228822443872396You don't have to grieve alone, as a coach I can help support you. To discover how grief coaching can help you please book a FREE call with me To access your FREE resource 12 Ways to Heal https://www.understandinggrief.comConnect with me: Website: https://www.understandinggrief.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annedebutteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/reconnectfromgrief