Empowering Energy Citizens Through
Communities
Paul Kenny, B.E. C. Eng.Chief ExecutiveTipperary Energy Agency
Energy Green/ White Paper 4th of November 2014
• Tipperary Energy Communities retrofit ~ 70% homes signed up.
• Aran Islands similar at 60+%
• Why do citizens get involved:• For the good of themselves (savings/ comfort)• For the good of their community (jobs / costs)• Because it is a community activity.
• Once engaged, always engaged.
Community Energy Engages
Community Energy Delivers Value
85,702
90,036
148,559
Value to Local Economy / MW / Annum
Non Local SpendLocal SpendOwnership Revenue
Ownership Bene-fit Accruing to Local Economy
* Based on real figures for one project. NPV assuming 20 year life time
Danish vision of community energy- Engages people and their savings- Empowers decisions- Owns infrastructure – DH, Wind, Solar
District Heating must be consumer owned – i.e. community
Planned Tralee District Heating- 100M revenue over 20 years- All locally sourced energy.- Equivalent of 135 sustainable jobs.- 13,000 T CO2 (per annum)
Community Energy Delivers Scale
We need a long term plan.- Energiewiende/ Danish 2050.- Widely consulted so politicians and citizens buy into it.
We need carrots and sticks - Carbon tax, E.T.S- Ring fenced or returned
We need supports:- Supports for community engagement and project development
(Community energy office, Scotland)- Directed and subsidised finance (KFW energy construction/
renovation.- Community access to grid, Co-development with developers
Policy Requirements
• Non profit, public good enterprise• Partnership approach• Energy management• Renewable energy and energy
efficiency• Procurement, project mgmt.• Cost effective, value driven
• Paul Kenny• Chief Executive• T: 052 7443090• F: 052 7443012• E: [email protected] • W: www.tea.ie
Tipperary Energy Agency
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