Irelands First Community-Owned EV Charging Point / Callan Community Energy Company

 

In December 2021, Callan Community Energy with support from 3cea, opened a new solar-powered EV charging station in the Callan Supervalue carpark.  This fantastic project will provide up to 22kw of fast charging capability to support Callan resident’s transition to electric vehicles. This community-owned EV charge point is the first of its kind in Ireland. A huge congratulation to Callan Community Energy for working hard to deliver this project.

In this short video, Adrian Lyons from Callan Community Energy explains the project and the benefits it has produced for the local community in Callan.

If your community wants to take the leap into renewable energy but don’t know where to start, get in contact with 3cea now to find out how we can help.

Additionally, you can watch our 6 part webinar series aimed at helping your community understand what opportunities there are for renewable energy projects and how to avail of funding, with guest speakers from community groups who have become Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) and experts in renewable energy. A fantastic resource for anyone starting their renewable energy journey.

 

3cea Pilot State of the Art Energy Efficient Homes in Carlow & Kilkenny

Construction has begun 8 new energy efficient homes in Carlow & Kilkenny that are part of a NWE Interreg Housing 4.0 Energy (H4.0E) an EU project to lower embodied emissions in house builds and in time reduce the cost of construction by utilising a Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) model and ensuring the houses are built to nZEB (near Zero Energy Building) standard by using prefabricated timber-frame closed panels or low-carbon GGBS cement composites and energy-saving efforts like installation of Photovoltaic cables and heat pumps. The 2 bedroom and single bedroom houses are located in St Mary’s court in Carlow town, in Mullinivat and Graiguenamanagh (at the old Fire Station)  in Co. Kilkenny.

Construction site for H4.0E houses in St Mary’s court, Carlow town.

Construction site for H4.0E houses in St Mary’s court, Carlow town.

“3cea were delighted to lead this initiative and to secure Irish funding of over 600K from a Europe-wide fund of 4.2 million made available by the European Regional Development Fund through the Interred NorthWest Europe scheme to make this pilot project happen,” said Communications Officer Colin Healy. “H4.0E-nZEBs or ZEB builds are a must for future construction to meet both Ireland’s housing needs and carbon mitigation goals. The Irish H4.0E pilots are not using full DfMA methods in the pilot project, but when they come fully on stream through the availability of the H4.0E Platform being developed by Open Systems Lab (OSL) as part of the H4.0E project we anticipate that building costs will be reduced by 25% using these methods. The H4.0E houses in the upscaling process will be far cheaper to run and substantial carbon emission reductions will be achieved both in embodied and operational carbon. Heating and domestic hot water are where most of the energy will be used and these are warmer better-insulated homes. All houses are fitted with heat pumps.

 

The houses, referred to as H4.0E houses are part of a plan to develop affordable zero-energy houses by applying new technology to building and running the houses. A carbon reduction of at least 50% to 80%, when compared to a standard concrete/brick build house,  will be achieved. All units will be completed towards the end of this year and will be used for social housing by Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils.

You can learn more about H4.0E and 3cea’s activities in the project through our H4.0E Webpage.

Meet the Team: Onyedikachi Onwusor

 

  1. What is your educational and work background?
    I recently got an MSc in Energy Management from Technological University Dublin, and a BEng in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering from FUTO, Nigeria. Prior to joining 3CEA I have been in Agricultural Fabrication, and Construction Industry.
  2. What’s the most exciting thing about joining 3cea?
    3CEA is a swift thriving not for profit organization that is actively making an impact to Irelands energy commitment most especially in the southeast of the country. Being someone who wants to contribute to the sustainability of our environment, it is great working for an organization surrounded by like minds.
  3. Why is sustainable energy so important to you?
    Technological advancement has brought about so many possibilities, but also brought excess carbon emission with it. The world always has a problem needed to be solved for every generation. Sustainability in the energy sector has never been more important and I am eager to partake in providing solutions for it.
  4. What advice would you give to readers who are considering an energy efficiency project in your sector?
    No amount of energy savings is too small, a little effort from everyone makes the environment more sustainable. 3CEA is ever ready to support you and your organization to implement efficient energy shifts with their team of specialized engineers and support staff.

Meet the Team: Michael Deen

 

  1. What is your educational and work background?
    I have a BSc in Geography and Environmental Science and have recently completed an MSc in Leadership for Sustainable Development at Queens University Belfast. I have previously worked within commercial sustainability and worked with several not-for-profit environmental and sustainability organisations.
  2. What’s the most exciting thing about joining 3cea?
    I’m excited to be part of an organization like 3cea that delivers real positive change to society. The opportunity to work on projects in a variety of sectors from commercial businesses to community groups with sustainability at the core of it all is really exciting.
  3. Why is sustainable energy so important to you?
    We are living within a climate crisis, and sustainable energy will play a crucial role in reducing the negative local and global impacts a changing climate will bring.
  4. What advice would you give to readers who are considering an energy efficiency project in your sector?
    This is your opportunity to take the leap into sustainable energy, whether you are driven by climate action or reducing your energy costs, there has never been a better time to start an energy efficiency project.

Meet the Team: Tracey Turner

 

  1. What is your educational and work background?
    I worked as a logistics administrator for a wholesale company after leaving school. A FAS course in Supply Chain Management and Logistics led me to a primary degree in Industrial Engineering (Level 7). A module in Energy Engineering sparked my interest in renewable technologies, so much so, that I attended an evening course while completing my degree, in Energy Technologies and Installations (Heat-Pumps). I was very fortunate to secure my industrial placement with an innovative company who were at the time designing, manufacturing, transporting, and installing wind turbines. C&F Green Energy gave me a solid foundation in engineering, industry, and renewable technology. My interest grew in the areas of green energy, sustainability, and the environment prompting my return to education. I went on to achieve an Honours Degree Level 8 B.Eng. in Industrial Engineering and a Masters Diploma Level 9 in Green Engineering. I also took some time to travel which was a valuable education in itself. Since, I have worked with a wind and solar developer, evaluating renewable projects, and liaising with clients and stakeholders. I also worked for a short time as a quality engineer in the electro/mechanical industry, this gave me an understanding of construction in particular BCAR (Building Control Amendment Regulation) documentation for projects requiring certification. Most recently I have worked as an Energy Engineer/Consultant,  developing Energy Master Plans for Sustainable Energy Communities, conducting energy audits, quantifying energy consumption to establish baselines as well as being appointed by the SEAI as a county mentor to consult with and advise sustainable energy communities in the midland region.
  1. What’s the most exciting thing about joining 3cea?
    I have followed 3CEA for some time, often signing up to their webinars and workshops. I admire 3CEAs professionalism,  dedication and expertise. I am very much looking forward to learning from my peers and being part of an organised and focused team. Also, they seem like a lovely bunch, relaxed, down to earth and friendly.
  1. Why is sustainable energy so important to you?
    I have always been passionate about nature, the environment, and the people and communities around me. I come from a spectacularly beautiful part of the world. Relatively untouched by pollution, industrialisation, mining, poverty, overpopulation etc. I didn’t quite grasp the magnitude of how much we were interfering with nature and our environments until I travelled, until I witnessed environmental devastation and extreme weather events for myself. We don’t feel the effects as much here in Ireland; however, it will affect us all, sooner than we think. I want to leave a world that my daughter can not only survive in but thrive in. Humans over the last 200yrs have consumed more than ever before, stripping the earth of its resources without much consideration or gratitude. Globally, the use of energy represents by far the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. What better place to put all my energy into if not energy itself?
  1. What advice would you give to readers who are considering an energy efficiency project in your sector?
    The time for consideration is past. It is better to be proactive than reactive. Reach out, information, people and resources are available. Get in contact with 3CEA or your local energy agency. They will be happy to help and guide you.

ENERGee Watch Course 4: Data display, dissemination, and validation by local authorities

ENERGee Watch Course 4 will cover how to identify the key factors that determine how to disseminate data (regulations, targets, usage, etc.). It will also cover how to identify key recipients and stakeholders, teaching mentees how to identify their needs and expectations, collect the data, and get it into the required format. Some methods and tools to represent and illustrate data patterns and messages in data (graphs, Sankey diagrams, maps, etc.) will also be covered in this course. Finally, how to efficiently disseminate this data and the subsequent messages (technical reports, newsletters, online tools, etc.) will be covered too.

The Target for Course 4: Data Display, Dissemination, and Validation by Local Authorities

This course aims to identify how to best communicate a dataset or to portray certain messages in the data. Throughout the course, we will treat the key topics necessary to ensure effective and complete communication of data and information. Some current challenges that this course could rectify include; a lack of interaction with recipients of datasets, the misunderstanding of datasets, difficulty in portraying messages that are in the data, a requirement for datasets to be communicated in a particular way, a need to find more innovative/representative data visualisation methods, or simply an interest to develop links with existing innovative tools.

Course Objectives

The objectives set for mentee learning before the course were as follows.

To know your audience and their ultimate needs
• To assess the best data display method for the objective,
• audience and desired response
• To manipulate data to suit different representation styles
• To understand the different data dissemination and display options available

Topics

ENERGee Watch Course 4 sought to achieve these objectives over 6 sessions held over 6 days across just over a month from October to November.

• Session 1: What determines effective Communication of data?
• Session 2: Identifying the information needs of end-users
• Session 3: Manipulating and Presenting data
• Session 4: Implementing data display tools
• Session 5: TerriSTORY®, a deeper insight
• Session 6: Data dissemination

Mentors

Thomas Knight is a project manager in the Territorial Intelligence and Observatory team at Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Energie Environnement(AURA-EE) since the beginning of 2020. Thomas is responsible for the quality and accuracy of the energy-related and economic calculations for the regional energy and climate data observatory (ORCAE) and is an active participant in the development of an online data tracking tool for the territories of the region; TerriSTORY®.

 

 

If you are interested in taking part in the next cycle of ENERGee Watch courses, the applications for the second cycle should open in January. Please note that currently these courses are only open to Local Authorities and Municipalities. You can find out when the ENERGee Watch applications open by keeping an eye on our social media and signing up to our newsletter.

ENERGee Watch Course 2: Monitoring, Reporting, Verification

Continuing our coverage of ENERGee Watch, Course 2, “Monitoring, revision and verification of data” will emphasise the enhancement of the capacity of local authorities to implement sustainable projects through:

  • Development of internal administrative structures for the successful implementation and monitoring of sustainable energy action plans (roles, support, prioritization, budgeting, and tools)
  • Process to verify energy data
  • Data quality improvement
  • Development of business plans, feasibility, and environmental analysis for sustainable energy Projects

This course is delivered by Cyprus Energy Agency

Target for course 2: Monitoring, Reporting, Verification

The training course is addressed to a) local authorities’ staff which are directly related to the SECAP implementation and to b) support structures (energy agencies) that provide technical support and expertise. The candidates will have the opportunity to empower their knowledge in critical issues for the successful implementation of the SECAPs.

ENERGee Watch Course 2 Course objectives

In this course, mentees can achieve the following learning:

Objective 1: To create vision and establish the proper internal administrative structures.

Objective 2: To know the key actions needed to ensure political and administrative support for the successful implementation of a SECAP.

Objective 3: To perform an energy data verification process.

Objective 4: To visualise sustainable energy project ideas on Sustainable Business Model Canvas.

Objective 5: To elaborate feasibility and environmental analysis for energy projects.

Objective 6: To plan and monitor the progress and the impact of SECAP actions.

 Topics:

To achieve these objectives 6 training sessions were held divided across 4 days from September to November.

  • Session1: Vision Setting
  • Session 2: Establishing an Energy & Climate Team
  • Session 3: Data Processing and Verification
  • Session 4: Energy Modelling and Scenarios
  • Session 5: Sustainable business model canvas and financial
  • feasibility analysis
  • Session 6: Implementation & successful monitoring
Mentors – Cyprus Energy Agency

  

Savvas Vlachos started his professional career in 2004. He is Environmental Engineer. He joined the Cyprus Energy Agency in 2009 as an Energy expert. Since September 2016, he is the Director of the Cyprus Energy Agency Since September 2016, he is the Director of the Cyprus Energy Agency. He is also the Local Manager of the  Programme Pioneers into Practice in Cyprus which is funded by the Climate – KIC and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).

 

Charis Kordatos is a Forester/Environmental Scientist. He is involved in the Green Public Procurement (GPP) support structure of the Agency providing guidance and training to public/local authorities and he is participating in different GPP networks and forums.

 

 

Myrto Skouroupathi is a qualified Environmental Engineer and a member of the Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus. She joined the Cyprus Energy Agency in 2017 as an Environmental Engineer and she is involved in European co-funded projects as a technical expert and educator.

ENERGee Watch Course 1 Data Collection (acquisition and treatment)

The ENERGee Watch courses began online back in September with Course 3 Indicators and Strategies on Adaptation to Climate Change. As the first cycle of courses come to an end we will reflect on the content of each course, its objectives, and the overall objectives of the ENERGee Watch Project. Course 3 information is available through the link above. Starting with Course 1 Data Collection (acquisition and treatment), this was one of four courses will take place across the three cycles of the ENERGee Watch programme. The ENERGee WATCH peer-to-peer learning programme aims to enable regional and local authorities to timely and accurately define, monitor, and verify their sustainable actions. The course material focused on regional/provincial authorities and their agencies. These groups are responsible for collecting and monitoring GHG reduction efforts and results. These groups were targeted to empower them to use best practices in their efforts. ENERGee Watch is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

The programme will take place across three cycles. Each cycle has the same four courses and tutors and will contain a visit to the tutor’s country in future iterations should Covid restrictions allow. The content of the courses may change each year based on the feedback from the previous group in the previous cycle. Through this, the course can adapt to the needs of regional/local authorities. We are currently receiving feedback from the groups just finishing their courses in this iteration of the project.

We expect, by the end of the ENERGee Watch peer learning programme, regional and local authorities will have improved abilities and skills to collect energy and climate data, monitor said data, verify it, and then report the data for their sustainable energy action plans. We also hope that the peer-to-peer nature of the programme will foster future collaborations and partnerships.

Course 1: Data Collection (acquisition and treatment)

The overall aim of ENERGee WATCH is to launch a peer-to-peer learning program to enable regional and local authorities to timely and accurately define, monitor, and verify their sustainable actions. The learning process targets regional and/or provincial authorities and their agencies and observatories that are responsible for collecting and overseeing the monitoring of mitigation and adaptation indicators to empower them to make use of the best practices. Course 1 is broken into 4 sessions as follows:

  • Session 1: Baseline Emission Inventory
  • Session 2: Energy management
  • Session 3: Energy supply and production
  • Session 4: Transport

The handbook for ENERGee Watch Course 1 Data Collection is available for download here.

The target for Course 1 Data Collection

This course is aimed at professionals at the regional and local levels, that are responsible for energy data collection and would like to learn more on how to tackle challenges connected to gathering quality and comprehensive energy data. It is aimed at those who should or could play a key role in improving data sharing to accelerate the achievement of EU climate goals.

Mentors

Boštjan Krajnc, CEO of Energy Agency of Savinjska, Šaleska and Koroška Region (KSSENA), has 16years of work experience in the field of RES and RUE. In his professional career, Boštjan Krajnc has performed more than 50 trainings on energy management, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, financial mechanisms (ESCO), and on transferring EU Energy efficiency directives into national legislation.

3 Counties Energy Agency responds to Climate Action Plan

The publication of the Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2021 by Government last week was broadly welcomed by the stakeholders working to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and the resulting environmental damage that they cause.

3 Counties Energy Agency (3cea) are positively enthused by the continued effort and commitment to solving the most pressing problem facing civilisation with a particular focus on de-carbonising the Irish energy system. 3cea also welcome the continuing focus on enabling communities, seeing this as important to the future management of our energy provision and use. But they also urge some caution.

CAP 2019 included an annexe with 183 specified actions, each with a timeline and specification of who was responsible for implementing the change. CAP 2021 lists 475 required actions. Paddy Phelan, CEO of 3cea, notes an important change.

3cea CEO Paddy Phelan on the ‘The Way It Is Show’ with Sue Nunn on KCLR:

Read more

Kilkenny Community and Voluntary Awards – 3cea delighted to sponsor the Environmental and Sustainability Category

The Kilkenny Community and Voluntary awards will take place on 2nd December 2021 and is a collaborative effort between Kilkenny Volunteer Centre and Kilkenny PPN with support from Kilkenny County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The aim of the awards is to recognise the commitment of the countless community and voluntary groups across Co. Kilkenny and the volunteers who work tirelessly to provide services to the old, the young, the isolated, the lonely, and the vulnerable in our community.

The awards will celebrate the vibrancy of the community and voluntary sector in Kilkenny and recognise the contribution that volunteers make to the fabric of our county.

Nominations are now open, and the people of Kilkenny are being called upon to nominate community groups and local volunteer heroes who are making a real difference on the ground.

Community groups across Co. Kilkenny can be nominated under the following categories:

  1. Arts, Culture and Heritage
  2. Community and Civic Pride
  3. Social Enterprise
  4. Environment
  5. Health and Social Wellbeing
  6. Social Inclusion
  7. Covid 19 Group Support

All shortlisted nominees will be invited to attend the awards ceremony in Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel on 2nd December and the winners of each category will receive a unique trophydesigned by celebrated craftsperson Eimear Conyardand prize of €500 sponsored by generous local business owners.

We also have a special award on the night called the Covid 19 Local Volunteer Hero Award.

For outstanding work by an Individual in the Community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.