State of the Art Report on Storage Technologies, Opportunities and Trends

Are you a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) operating in the energy storage market? Get expert insights with the STEPS NWE State-of-the-Art Report on Storage Technologies, Opportunities and Trends. As part of the EU-funded STEPS project, renowned organisations investigated the current state of medium-capacity energy storage (e-storage) and the e-storage industries based in North-West Europe (NWE). The overview helps SMEs striving to establish their position in the competitive e-storage market by defining the landscape and highlighting its opportunities and trends. With this publication, SMEs can make informed decisions to seize their opportunities and boost their products.

The report covers information on e-storage products and installations in the medium capacity range, which is defined between 5 kWh and 2 MWh, and classifies different energy storage technologies e.g. chemical, electrical and electrochemical. Furthermore, it describes the different applications such as home energy storage systems in combination with photovoltaic electricity generation for households, grid-scale installations for industrial use and utilities and electromobility for private as well as public transportation. Current technological developments focus on lithium-ion cells, but many emerging technologies are gaining importance and are featured in the publication. Finally, the report describes the rapid developments in the production industry, as well as the European policy support to boost production and recycling capacity in NWE.

The report highlights opportunities as well as trends are rising from e-storage research and applications. For instance, the use of lithium-ion batteries in electromobility, increasing European and national subsidies and policies of carbon-neutral fuels, and the increasing number of second-hand automotive batteries.

Interested in the State of the Art Report on Storage Technologies report? Read it here on our website.

In STEPS, business support and knowledge partners from Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom have joined forces to strengthen the competitiveness of innovative energy storage (e-storage) providers in North-West Europe (NWE). A core activity of STEPS is advising e-storage SMEs on improving their product and entering new markets in NWE. By providing an overview of the current energy landscape, opportunities, and trends, the State-of-the-Art report supports SMEs to understand market developments and find market gaps. Contributing organisations include the Technical University of Darmstadt, the National University of Ireland Galway, Ghent University, the University of Twente, The Faraday Institution, House of Energy, Provinciale Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Oost-Vlaanderen, and StoREgio.

Find out more about the STEPS by following us on LinkedInTwitter or contacting one of our Business Support Partners in your region.

To learn more about 3cea activities in STEPS or to keep up to date with STEPS updates see our dedicated STEPS page

Climate Action in the South East

Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford Communities Pioneer Climate Action in the South East

3 Counties Energy Agency (3cea) welcomes Government’s announcement on Tuesday, 23rd March to approve a revised Climate Action Bill which includes specific targets on reducing carbon emissions over the next 30 years. The Climate Action Bill commits to a carbon neutral status for Ireland by end 2050 and halving the amount of greenhouse gas emissions within the next 10 years.

3cea sees the announcement as an opportunity to build on progress it has made in the region since it was established in 2002. The one-stop-shop is committed to driving social and behavioural change in the South East towards a low carbon economy. The non-profit agency drives sustainable energy projects offering commercial and business grants and supports, the Greener HGV Programme, National Home Retrofit Scheme, community and public sector projects working across homes, commercial properties, community, transport and agriculture and advice in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford.

Paddy Phelan, CEO of 3 Counties Energy Agency (3cea) says it is the responsibility of each individual, business owner and community to come together to achieve Government’s ambitious targets and 3cea will be there to help. He explains,

“Whilst the Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford local authorities will be closely examining its strategic plan to facilitate and steer climate action in the area, everyone in the county has a role to play in achieving the ambition of the new Bill. In the south east region, we are in excellent position to develop an all-inclusive decarbonising plan in line with the requirements set out in the Climate Action Bill. There are some outstanding examples within local communities and industry, for example the Danone Plant locally has achieved zero carbon emission in its manufacturing. Likewise the local community groups taking energy action illustrate how each home, local business and individual can help contribute towards a carbon neutral Ireland. Small changes in our individual behaviour can change our carbon footprint and it all adds up.”

Read more

Renewable Energy Investment Forum

The Southern Regional Assembly will host a webinar on Thursday 4th February to support renewable energy in the region.

The Southern Regional Assembly have set ambitious objectives for renewable energy which will require buy in from a number of stakeholders from the public sector, private sector and community groups.

This webinar will highlight the renewable energy targets set for the country, and the region, while also discussing how we plan to achieve these targets. Local and regional authorities will be key players in supporting the Southern Region with renewable energy investment. Speaking on the webinar will be a panel of experts from the various stakeholder groups, including Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD.

The webinar will take place on February 4th, 2021 and will start at 9:15 AM.

If you are unable to attend on the day, it is advised to still register for the event as a recording will be shared to all registrants.

Register Here

See attached agenda for full details.

 

Sustainable Regions in Action 2021

FEDARENE have recently launched their “Sustainable Regions in Action” yearly publication which offers a look into the projects European regions and their energy agencies are implementing. 

The most recent edition of the annual publication highlights the work of local and regional authorities, island states and the energy agencies within each of them.

FEDARENE provide an overview of their activities over the past year and their perspectives for the future. A selection of their members’ most inspiring projects are also included. These projects are divided in 12 categories including:

  • Adapting and planning in times of climate crisis;
  • Accelerating Island’s Energy Transition;
  • Energy communities: citizens’ action for cleaner energy;
  • Financing responsible projects for a brighter future;
  • Enhancing Industry and SMEs’ responsibility;
  • Setting up energy efficiency measures;
  • Sustaining Renewables Sources;
  • Highway to Eco-mobility;
  • Tackling Energy Poverty;
  • Circular Economy;
  • Healthy Environment, Healthy Citizens!
  • Educating, training and raising awareness.

3 Counties Energy Agency feature in this publication under the Accelerating Island’s Energy Transition category. Take a look at what we shared on page 19.

Read the publication here: Sustainable Regions in Action 2021

 

STEPS e-storage solutions

STEPS Business Support Programme will launch in January 2021

The STEPS Business Support Programme will kick start the new EU project in the New Year.

STEPS (Storage of Energy & Power Systems) is a new European project bringing the innovative industry of energy storage to Irish SMEs. Project partners from Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and the UK will increase the energy storage industry in North West Europe (NWE). Each nation will encourage innovative energy storage providers to develop their energy storage solution to become market ready.

Overall, the STEPS project hopes to advise more than 200 energy storage local SMEs on entering new markets in NWE. STEPS wishes to create market pull effects in NWE for new energy storage solutions by engaging with potential end-users needs and increase awareness of solution providers.

STEPS Logo

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Sustainable Energy Engineering – An insight into John Frister’s Work Experience at 3cea during Coronavirus

John Frister, a Sustainable Energy Engineering Student from WIT, recently completed his work placement with 3 Counties Energy Agency. We were very fortunate to be in a position to deliver John’s work experience virtually as many employers had to cancel or postpone work placements for students due to the global pandemic. We’ve asked John to share his experiences and challenges throughout his work placement journey. Read more

EUCF Workshop

As the deadline for the first call of the EUCF Initiative is early next month, a short follow up workshop is scheduled for Friday 18th September.

The workshop will be held for those Local Authorities that have not yet registered on the EUCF platform but are still considering applying. This session is primarily about allowing different Local Authorities to network with the intention of possibly working together or asking final questions on the initiative. Siona Daly, Ireland Country Expert will host the workshop. Read more

Sustainable Energy Communities – South East SEC Webinar Series

Online Information Events for Communities to be part of the Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Programme

The aim of these events is to provide basic information and introduce community groups from the South East to the SEC programme, highlighting the recruitment process, community engagement, grants, and funding opportunities. We will provide helpful tips on how to register as a Community for the SEC programme and what you need to do to be successful.

This webinar series will encourage communities in the South East of the country to engage with the SEC programme. The informative events will take place online with each event focusing on a separate topic.

SEC Webinar Series
The dates, topics and registration links are as follows:

22nd Sept: Recruitment Jane Wickham. Southeast SEC Coordinator | Register here
29th Sept: Community Engagement – Fiona O’Loughlin, Wexford SEC Mentor | Register here
6th Oct: Grants – Yvonne Byrne, Waterford SEC Mentor | Register here
13th Oct: Funding Opportunities – Therese Curran, Kilkenny SEC Mentor | Register here

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Ireland’s First Green Hydrogen Storage Webinar

The Irish Energy Storage Association will host Ireland’s first Green Hydrogen Storage Webinar.

The Irish Energy Storage Association (IESA) announced that next month they will be hosting this country’s first Green Hydrogen Storage Webinar.

The webinar will take place on the 15th of September from 2:30pm to 3:45pm. The event will feature opening remarks by Green Party Leader, Minister Eamon Ryan, followed by Paula Abreu Marques, Dr Eoin Syron and Dr Laura Nelson.

Paula Abreu Marques, from the European Commission, is responsible for drafting the EU Commission’s Hydrogen Strategy which launched earlier this summer. Dr Eoin Syron of UCD Energy Institute, co-author of “A National Hydrogen Strategy is needed to develop Ireland’s Hydrogen potential” will discuss the developments in the Hydrogen sector in this country. Dr Laura Nelson, Executive Director of Green Hydrogen Coalition, will continue by highlight the developments of Green Hydrogen in the USA.

This will be a free event and attendees are requested to register their place by emailing info@iesa.ie.

For more information, please see the IESA website here.

Better Energy Communities Grant

Everything you need to know about applying for Communities Energy Grant

What is Communities Energy Grant (BEC)?

3cea team has been successful in securing energy grant funding for communities and businesses across all sectors. Over the past 5 years 3cea has assisted in the delivery of cumulative energy savings of more than €19.6 million through the Communities Energy Grant (BEC) initiative.

Better Energy Communities is a national retrofit initiative managed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). BEC offers a win-win grant aid solution for parish halls, GAA clubs, farmers, charitable organisations, community groups, public authorities, individuals and businesses to both lower their energy bills while reducing energy usage.

How can 3cea help?

From initial application to final grant sign-off, we can project manage the entire process for you, this is why we encourage you to get in contact now to discuss your project in more detail.

3cea has extensive, award-winning experience and expertise in supporting applicants through the BEC pipeline, we act as your project-coordinator and energy advisor throughout the entire process. Our Team has achieved success through combining specific technical expertise and local community knowledge on hundreds of energy efficiency projects of scale since 2002.

Funding & Supports Available

  • Up to 50% funding for community projects, sports halls, community halls, community centers etc
  • Up to 30% funding for private businesses, large industry and commercial buildings, private companies
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