Greystones & Delgany SEC

9. Register of Opportunities

Table of Contents

9. Energy Saving Opportunities Greystones/Delgany

The register of opportunities presents a list of opportunities for Greystones/Delgany to consider in making their community more sustainable. Opportunities are listed for residential, commercial/SME, transport, community & public sector, and renewable energy.

3cea carried out 9 domestic energy audits and 4 non-domestic energy audits in the Greystones/Delgany area. The Register of Opportunities was generated from these audits and from the two approaches described in section 8 above. The projects identified are based on availability of information and buildings access. 

It is recommended that when selecting suitable projects, the following criteria should be considered:

  1. Capital cost of project and available funds
  2. Payback period – lower payback period, the quicker the initial capital investment will be paid back. This can then facilitate investment in another project. 
  3. Other priorities e.g. fuel poverty in vulnerable members of the community / serious issue with comfort levels of a building / issue with functioning / operation of building / facility

Detailed reports for each building can be found in the Appendix B.

9.1 Opportunities for Homes/Domestic Buildings

Download all of the domestic surveys (option A and B per house) as a single pdf file here. Continue below for individual reports.

Figure 24: House Type 1

House description: 1

End of terrace House – 1980 – Block (unknown) construction

Proposed energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation
  • External/Internal Wall Insulation
  • Window/Door Upgrade
  • Lighting
  • Heating Upgrade (Primary)
  • Renewables

Option A Detail

Proposed Option B energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation
  • Lighting
  • Heating Upgrade (Water)
  • Heating Upgrade (Space)
  • Renewables

Option B Detail

Figure 25: House Type 2

House description: 2

End of terrace House – 2005 – Timber Frame construction

Proposed energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation
  • Window/Door Upgrade
  • Lighting
  • Heating Upgrade (secondary)
  • Heating Upgrade (Primary)
  • Renewables

Option A Detail

Proposed Option B energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation  
  • Lighting               
  • Heating Upgrade (Water)
  • Renewables

Option B Detail

Figure 26: House Type 3

House description: 3

Semi-detached House – 1980 – Block (unknown) construction

Proposed energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation  
  • External/Internal Wall Insulation              
  • Window/Door Upgrade 
  • Lighting               
  • Heating Upgrade (secondary)     
  • Heating Upgrade (Primary)
  • Renewables

Option A Detail

Proposed Option B energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation                 
  • Window/Door Upgrade 
  • Lighting                            
  • Heating Upgrade (Water)
  • Renewables

Option B Detail

Figure 27: House Type 4

House description: 4

Detached – 1998 – Hollow Block construction

Proposed energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation  
  • External/Internal Wall Insulation              
  • Window/Door Upgrade 
  • Lighting               
  • Heating Upgrade (secondary)     
  • Heating Upgrade (Primary)
  • Renewables

Option A Detail

Proposed Option B energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation                 
  • Lighting                           
  • Heating Upgrade (Water)
  • Heating Upgrade (Space)
  • Renewables

Option B Detail

Figure 28: House Type 5

House description: 5

Detached – 1967 – Block (unknown) construction

Proposed energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation  
  • External/Internal Wall Insulation              
  • Window/Door Upgrade 
  • Lighting               
  • Heating Upgrade (Primary)
  • Renewables

Option A Detail

Proposed Option B energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation                 
  • Lighting                            
  • Heating Upgrade (Water)
  • Renewables

Option B Detail

Figure 29: House Type 6

House description: 6

End of terrace House – 1990 – Block (unknown) construction

Proposed energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation  
  • Internal Wall Insulation 
  • Lighting               
  • Heating Upgrade (Primary)
  • Renewables

Option A Detail

Proposed Option B energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation                 
  • Lighting                           
  • Heating Upgrade (Water)
  • Renewables

Option B Detail

Figure 30: House Type 7

House description: 7

Detached House – 2004 – Block (unknown) construction

Proposed energy upgrades:

  • Internal/External Wall Insulation                        
  • Window/Door Upgrade 
  • Lighting
  • Renewables

Option A Detail

Proposed Option B energy upgrades:

  • Lighting                           
  • Renewables

Option B Detail

Figure 31: House Type 8

House description: 8

Semi-detached House – 1970 – Hollow block construction

Proposed energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation  
  • External/Internal Wall Insulation              
  • Window/Door Upgrade 
  • Lighting               
  • Heating Upgrade (secondary)     
  • Heating Upgrade (Primary)
  • Renewables

Option A Detail

Proposed Option B energy upgrades:

  • Roof insulation                 
  • Lighting                            
  • Heating Upgrade (Water)
  • Renewables

Option B Detail

Each energy efficiency measure carried out on a domestic dwelling will increase the energy efficiency of the building and in turn reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort levels within the home. The table below details the typical energy and carbon savings associated with each measure listed above.

Figure 32: Residential – Typical energy and CO2 savings 

The Refurbishment Guide is a visual tool to show you the theoretical change in energy used after each measure is put in place. For example, if your house has an F rating, this is represented as the baseline. If you install roof insulation and cavity wall insulation, this will bring your house to an E2 rating and save approx. 125kWh/m2/yr in primary energy. 

A detailed list of the actions that can be taken and their impact on energy efficiency are included in full refurbishment guides for each of the 8 houses in Appendix B.

9.1.1 Replication in your building

These surveys cover houses built from 1740 to 2012. These house types were chosen as representative of building types in the Greystones/Delgany area. Residents can compare their home to the surveys above and the detailed reports in the Appendix to see what interventions would work in their home.

For example, an individual with a house built between 1965 and 1985 could use the surveys of the houses 1, 3, 5 and 8 and compare existing building fabric and heating system information, and take the advice given to improve this type of building. For a house built between 2000 and 2010, a householder could compare their home with surveys 2 and 7.

Each house is different, and in some cases the houses surveyed have already had energy efficiency upgrades carried out. However, these surveys can still be taken as a guide for making energy efficiency improvements in similar households.

House IDYear of Construction
11980
22005
31980
41998
51967
61990
72004
81970
Table 6: Houses surveyed and years of construction

9.2 Opportunities for Non-Domesitic Buildings

9.2.1 Example of existing buildings

The opportunities for non-domestic building upgrades are listed in the table below. As all buildings are unique, with different energy uses, business owners and the local authority are encouraged to look at the list and pick measures depending on the characteristics of their building. The list below is ranked using a fabric first approach.

A fabric first approach involves maximizing the performance of the components and materials that make up the building fabric itself, before considering the use of mechanical or electrical building services systems.

RankCategoryMeasuresEstimated cost
1Energy managementAwareness campaign for staff and occupants
2Building fabricsRoof insulation15 – 20 €/m2
3Building fabricsCavity Wall Insulation7 – 10 €/m2
4Building fabricsInternal/ External Wall Insulation90 – 140 €/m2
5Building fabricsFloor insulation150 – 450 €/m2
6Building fabricsWindow/ Door upgrade250 – 350 €/m2
7OthersLighting Upgrade20 €/Fitting
8Heating systemsHeating upgrade – Heating control
9Heating systemsHeating upgrade – Condensing boilerVaries depending on size
10Heating systemsHeating upgrade – Heat PumpVaries depending on size
11Heating systemsHeating upgrade – Biomass boilerVaries depending on size
12Heating systemsHeating upgrade – CHP Combined Heat and PowerVaries depending on size
13Domestic Hot WaterHot water heat pump€3,500 -€10,000
14RenewablesSolar PV€1,450 per kWp
15RenewablesSolar ThermalDependent on size
16OthersSpecific equipment upgrade (catering,…)
17OthersEV charger€1,000 -€31,000

Table 4: Estimated cost of Fabric first approach measures

A summary of all the recommended refurbishment works in the non-domestic buildings in Greystones/Delgany is listed below.

Plan 8 Architecture

The building was constructed in circa 1900. The building has a total floor area of 37 m2 and consists of offices and a meeting room.

Recommendations for how Plan 8 Architecture can save energy and money are listed below.

Figure 33: Plan 8 Architecture

Juju

The building was constructed in 2000. The building has a total floor area of 42 m2 and consists of a customer area and a storage room.The energy audit was carried out 30th November 2020, during which lighting, heating systems and building fabric were surveyed. Electricity bills were provided. Recommendations for how Juju can save energy and money are listed below

Figure 34: Juju

Goldfish

This building was a former 1900s era detached house which has been converted for office use. The building has a total floor area of 170m2 and is comprised of offices both downstairs and upstairs.
The energy audit was carried out on 30th November 2020, during which lighting, heating systems and building fabric were surveyed. Electricity bills were provided, but only cost information was available for gas consumption. Recommendations for how Goldfish can save energy and money are listed below

Figure 35: Goldfish

The Beach House

The main building was constructed mid-1800s, and was extended in the 1950s. The building has a total floor area of 920m2 and consists of a restaurant area with kitchen downstairs and a second restaurant area with a kitchen upstairs all located in the main building. There is a pub in the second extension. An Energy Audit was carried out where lighting, heating systems and building fabric were surveyed. Electricity and Gas data was provided. Recommendations for how The Beach House can save energy and money are listed below

Figure 36: The Beach House

9.2.2 Replication in your building

These building surveys cover a small number of commercial buildings in the Greystones/Delgany SEC area and it is hoped that the interventions recommended could also be used by other businesses. We estimate that there are 189 mostly small businesses, running in SEC area with business in Retail, Leisure and Food & Drink sectors being the prominent commercial activity in the area.

Table 12: List of commercial buildings/businesses in the SEC area

Business Type and Estimated Quantity in the SEC Area
Accountant1Dentist6
Architect4Doctor5
Banks / Credit Unions6Dog Grooming1
Beauty/ Hair Salon13Estate Agents3
Boutiques9Florist2
Butcher2Dry Cleaners2
Car Repairs3Supermarkets6
Car Sales1Yoga Pilates3
Churches5Retail32
Counselling2Hair Salon Barbers14
Creche5Optician2
B&B5Petrol Station2
Factories1Pharmacy8
Solicitors5Clinics / Physio7
Vet3Recruitment1
Food and drink30
Total189
Table 12: List of commercial buildings/businesses in the SEC area

For example, the register of opportunities proposed for the food and drink businesses surveyed could be used for the other food and drink businesses in the area.

9.2.3 Remote working / Shared Workspaces

Shared workspaces have become increasingly popular as an option for both self-employed persons and employees who are given the option of working remotely for part or all of the week. This reduces the frequency and duration of journeys and therefore reduces traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.  Shared workspaces also provide a fantastic opportunity for networking and socializing for people who may otherwise become quite isolated in the work that they do. They also boost the local economy by encouraging workers to stay local during the week, where they may avail of local services. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working has become more accepted as an option among employees / self-employed persons who may be travelling to work. This also reduces the frequency and duration of journeys and therefore reduces traffic, congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions. 

9.3 Register of Opportunities – Sustainable Transport 

It is quite challenging to have an impact on transport at a local level. It requires an examining and adjustment of local infrastructure (related to electric cars and cycling) and engaging with locals to encourage alternative modes of transport such as walking, cycling, and carpooling. 

This section discusses the Register of Opportunities for Transport for the community. These opportunities are not based on firm facts and figures as with those identified for buildings, but are developed from knowledge, experience and understanding.

9.3.1 Electric vehicles

Electric Vehicles (EV’s) are not a new technology. They have been commercially available for almost 10 years. Over this time, advances in battery technology and innovations in design have all but ironed out teething problems associated with EV’s. Certain models have even become more popular than their fossil fuel counterparts and are fast becoming a viable and popular option for the environmentally conscious family.

The move to electric vehicles is not a simple switch as there are a variety of factors for a person to consider. These factors include local e-charging infrastructure, typical journey lengths, e-charging infrastructure along typical routes travelled and the cost of purchasing an electric vehicle. Technological improvements in electric cars are being made each year. New electric cars in 2021 have a range of up to 400 km (250 miles) per charge – all but eliminating concerns around “range anxiety”.

As a first step, the SEC should contact Wicklow County Council to find out more about the current e- charging infrastructure and to inform the council that they may be interested in installing EV chargers in public spaces in the Greystones/Delgany area (car parks, on public buildings). 

Greystones/Delgany residents and visitors may be able to avail of funding when it comes to electric vehicles. For those interested in purchasing an electric car there is a grant ranging from between €2,000 and €5,000 that is available through SEAI. A full list of the available EV associated grants can be found in Chapter 10.3 Transport – Electric Vehicles below.

9.3.2 Walking

This opportunity is simply based around encouraging and motivating the local community to walk when and where possible. Walking provides a range of benefits and opportunities, such as:

  1. Improved health (through exercise)
  2. Reduction in transport related emissions (that contribute to health issues as well as climate change)
  3. Reduction in traffic, especially at peak times
  4. Reduced demand on available parking
  5. Increased opportunity for members of the community to walk through and see all parts of their town and surrounds
  6. Increased opportunity for people in Greystones/Delgany to meet and connect on a day-to-day basis.

School children in particular benefit from an active start to the day be it on foot or by bike.

There are some great programmes that help promote walking in your community, such as Get Ireland Walking, Move More Walking Challenge and Marchathon. In addition to this you could engage with your local Doctor’s offices, HSE clinics etc. to put up promotional material on walking or arrange to deliver short informative talks designed to inspire the community to get walking. The provision of safe and joined up footpaths and cycle ways will encourage more people to consider these options for short trips, which will in turn reduce short unnecessary car journeys.

9.3.3 Cycling

Cycling is a great form of exercise that brings lots of health benefits. As with walking, it also reduces the reliance on travelling by car, which then reduces, traffic congestions and transport related emissions. Cycling requires more specific infrastructure compared with walking, such as cycle lanes and bicycle shelters. 

The SEC should encourage locals to take up cycling as an alternative form of travel, the SEC could do this by:

• Organising social events that are family friendly, accessible to new cyclists, fun & visible.

• Advocating for infrastructure that supports specific and widely used needs e.g. school bike parking

• Developing cycle buddy projects that increase accessibility and social inclusion with cycling

• Partner with cycling and bicycle repair to deliver youth inclusion projects e.g. working with young people to develop skills and confidence.

If cycling isn’t an option due to distance or fitness level, then the SEC could encourage the use of electric bicycles for some people. The benefits of electric bicycles include:

• They allow you to travel longer distances and navigate steeper routes

• If you worry about your fitness level, an electric bicycle can be integrated into your journey to help you recover when you are tired.

• Electric bikes can be a much cheaper alternative to a car.

The development of cycle lanes is likely to be a more long-term goal as it requires significant infrastructure work, which would be under the responsibility of the local authority. It is likely to be already part of the local development plans, but this Energy Master Plan (EMP) is an opportunity for the community to engage with the local authority on the matter and find out more about what is planned and what is achievable.

Funding for public cycle parking is currently administered by the National Transport Authority through the councils. Businesses who install cycle parking at their premises could benefit from the business of cyclists that travel through the area. Secured parking that can be monitored will appeal to cyclists.

For those who are ready to take to two wheels purchasing a bike is easier than ever. The cycle to work scheme allows employees to purchase a new bike, tax free, and pay for it through their wages each month.

9.3.4 Car Pooling

Carpooling can be an option for sharing work commutes or school drop offs.  Both offer commuters and parents the chance to take turns driving. This can lead to a significant reduction in the volume of traffic around the school gates, which creates a safer local environment around the school, reduces congestion and allows parents to have days / weeks where they can get to work earlier than normal.

9.4 Register of Opportunities – Community & Public Sector

9.4.1 Register of Opportunities 

The opportunities for Community and Public Sector building upgrades are listed in the table below. As all buildings are different, with different usages, each owner could have a look at the list and pick up some measures depending on the characteristics of the building. The list below is ranked on a fabric first approach.

Table 15: Register of Opportunities – Community & public sector

RankCategoryMeasuresEstimated cost
1Energy managementAwareness campaign for staff and occupants
2Building fabricsRoof insulation15 – 30 €/m2
3Building fabricsCavity Wall Insulation15 – 35 €/m2
4Building fabricsInternal/ External Wall Insulation90 – 140 €/m2
5Building fabricsFloor insulation90 – 150 €/m2
6Building fabricsWindow/ Door upgrade350 – 900 €/m2
7OthersLighting Upgrade10 €/Fitting
8Heating systemsHeating upgrade – Heating controlDependent on components
9Heating systemsHeating upgrade – Condensing boilerDependent on size
10Heating systemsHeating upgrade – Heat PumpDependent on size
11Heating systemsHeating upgrade – Biomass boilerDependent on size
12Heating systemsHeating upgrade – CHP Combined Heat and PowerDependent on size
13Domestic Hot WaterHot water heat pump€3,500 -€10,000
14RenewablesSolar PV€1,450 Per kWp
15RenewablesSolar ThermalDependent on size
16OthersSpecific equipment upgrade (catering,…)
17OthersEV charger€1,000 -€31,000
18OthersSchool programmes0
Table 15: Register of Opportunities – Community & public sector

Example of existing buildings – Community and Public Sector

No public sector buildings were audited as part of the Energy Master Plan but audits that were previously carried out by 3cea within the Greystones/Delgany area have been included in the Energy Master Plan.

Greystones Civic Office

Figure 37: Greystones Civic office

The energy audit included an initial site visit which took place in June 2018. During the site visit the electrical, lighting, heating and hot water equipment were surveyed as well as the building fabric, and measurements of the building layout were provided through detailed plans. The audit analysed the building occupancy and usage patterns which may affect the building energy consumption. 

Energy Efficiency Measures
EEM#Energy Efficiency Measure DescriptionSavings TypeDelivered Energy Saving (kWh/yr.)Energy Cost Savings (€)Project Costs (€)Payback (yrs.)
EEM-01Attic InsulationGas4,4843271,0003
EEM-02Wall UpgradeGas12,4669103,0003
EEM-03Lighting UpgradeElectrical6,0289794,0004
EEM-04Solar PVElectrical8,5001,38120,00014.5
Table: Greystones Civic office

Greystones Depot- Area office 

Figure 38: Greystones Depot- Area office 

The energy audit included an initial site visit which took place in June 2018. During the site visit the electrical, lighting, heating and hot water equipment were surveyed along with the building fabric, and measurements of the building layout were provided through detailed plans. The Energy Efficiency Measures (EEM) recommended were as follows:

Energy Efficiency Measures
EEM#Energy Efficiency Measure DescriptionSavings TypeDelivered Energy Saving (kWh/yr.)Energy Cost Savings (€)Project Costs (€)Payback (yrs.)
EEM-01Lighting UpgradeElectrical215361504
EEM-02Draft SealsGas1,0001681,000        6
EEM-03HVAC UpgradeElectrical8,1471.3686,4654.75
EEM-04HVAC UpgradeElectrical4,3757354,0005.5
Table: Greystones Depot – Area Office

Greystones Fire Station

Figure 39: Greystones Fire Station

The energy audit took place in June 2018. During this site visit all electrical, lighting, heating and hot water equipment were surveyed. Wicklow County Council could not provide building plans so various building measurements were taken on site. The Energy Efficiency Measures (EEM) recommended were as follows:

Energy Efficiency Measures
EEM#Energy Efficiency Measure DescriptionSavings TypeDelivered Energy Saving (kWh/yr.)Energy Cost Savings (€)Project Costs (€)Payback (yrs.)
EEM-01Attic InsulationGas45006309501.5
EEM-02Window UpgradeGas1389208540026
EEM-03Lighting UpgradeElectrical3600504520010
EEM-04Electric Heating UpgradeElectrical950057025005
Greystones Fire Station

Greystones Library

Figure 40: Greystones Library

The entrance is set under a projecting semi-circular hood supported by slender iron posts. The original Carnegie library covered 175 m². An additional 165m2 floor space and 104m2 first floor space in open plan style were completed in the early 2000’s.

Energy Efficiency Measures
EEM#Energy Efficiency Measure DescriptionSavings TypeDelivered Energy Saving (kWh/yr.)Energy Cost Savings (€)Project Costs (€)Payback (yrs.)
EEM-01Heat PumpGas1,1001,10016,00015
EEM-02Window UpgradeGas24,07797625,00025.5
EEM-03Lighting UpgradeElectrical54,5751,9498,0004
EEM-04Solar PVElectrical9,645620800013

Schools SEAI Programme

There is a dedicated Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) programme for schools, which provides training, workshops, and ideas for creating a sustainable culture within your school and identifying energy efficiency / saving opportunities. This programme provides a fantastic opportunity not just to create efficient and sustainable schools, but to educate students in all matters relating to energy efficiency and sustainability that will inform their studies, work, and way of living.

9.5 Register of Opportunities – Renewable Energy

The renewable energy options for Greystones/Delgany area are reviewed below: This section contains a brief description of the domestic renewable energy opportunities that are suited to an urbanized area like Greystones and Delgany. There is also a short introduction to some other renewable energy technologies that are available in Ireland but would not be suitable for the area. These technologies are included because they are important for the community to understand given the ambitious renewable energy targets Ireland aim to achieve by 2030.     

9.5.1 Domestic Renewable Energy Opportunities 

Solar Energy 

Solar Power is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal and electrical energy.  Figure 40 below shows the average solar radiation over Ireland.

Ireland Average surface radiation for the period 1981 – 2000
Figure 41: Average surface radiation for the period 1981 – 2000  

The southeast of Ireland has the best solar resource in Ireland, with average horizontal irradiation levels of over 1000 kWh/m2. The term ‘solar panel’ is often used interchangeably to describe the panels that generate electricity and those that generate hot water. Solar panels that produce hot water are known as solar thermal collectors or solar hot water collectors. Solar panels that produce electricity are known as solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. These panels generate DC (Direct Current) electricity when exposed to light. 

For domestic power users Solar PV panels can save a homeowner upwards of €300 per year on their domestic electricity bills. To have a quality solar PV system installed, it will typically cost between €6000 to €15,000, including batteries and VAT. However, if the home that was built and occupied before 2021, the homeowner can apply for a solar PV grant to pay for up to €3800 of the installation cost.

Household solar hot water systems can cost between €4,000 depending on the size. Solar thermal systems use the sun’s energy to heat the water in the home. These systems are designed to meet 50% to 60% of your hot water needs.

All homeowners whose dwellings were built and occupied before 2021 can apply for a solar water heating grant of up to €1200. Another advantage of thermal solar panels is that they are very suitable for houses in remote locations not connected to the gas network.

Heat Pump Systems 

Heat pump systems are an alternative to fossil fuel heating systems, heat pumps are devices that transfer, or ‘pump’, heat from one place to another. Heat pumps are used as a greener alternative to efficiently heat your home. Heat sources used by heat pumps include warm air (which is the most common), ground, and water (such as lakes and rivers).

In the table below, you’ll find the Individual SEAI grant values available for each type of heat pump system.

Table 7: Individual SEAI grant values available for each type of heat pump system

Heat Pump SystemGrant Value
Heat pump technical assessment€200
Air to air€3,500
Air to water€6,500

This type of system works very efficiently at low temperature making it ideal for underfloor heating systems where heat is released gradually over long periods of time. Heat pumps operate using electricity meaning that no fossil fuel is burned in heating the home, greatly reducing emissions, and increasing the BER of the home.

It is important to note that heat pumps work best in a well-insulated building so a fabric first approach is required by SEAI before installing a heat pump, reduce the energy requirement of the house with installation and then install a heat pump. Heat pumps work by producing 3 units of heat for every one unit of electricity used and therefore have a very high efficiency of up to 300 – 400%. There is savings in replacing an old inefficient boiler operating at 65% efficiency with a heat pump. 

Please note that uninsulated homes built more than 30 years ago may require substantial and costly upgrades to qualify for a heat pump system grant. Heat pumps can only be installed in homes which are already energy efficient, (well-insulated, for example) and a registered technical advisor will need to inspect your home prior to commencing work.

Before applying for a heat pump system grant, the homeowner must engage an independent, SEAI Registered Technical Advisor. The Technical Advisor will carry out a technical assessment of the home, and will advise the homeowner on what steps to take to make their home “heat pump ready”, i.e. to reduce the heat loss in their home. They will provide the homeowner with independent guidance on measures necessary to ensure that the dwelling fabric heat loss is lowered to an acceptable level for a heat pump system to perform effectively and efficiently. The required heat loss level is expressed as a Heat Loss Indicator of 2 Watts/Kelvin/m2. In some cases, where upgrades may not be cost-optimal, a value of HLI up to 2.3 Watts/Kelvin/m2 can be accepted provided additional requirements are met. The homeowner will receive an additional grant of €200 towards the cost of the registered technical advisor’s inspection after completing the heat pump installation. As with other SEAI grants, this grant can be applied for online. Note that in order to qualify for a grant, the home must have been built and occupied before 2011.

Micro Generation

There are many definitions for micro-energy generation. However, for the purposes of this Energy Master Plan, and as per Electric Ireland (EI) definition, micro generation is defined as grid connected electrical generation up to a maximum output of 11kW. Proposed micro generation legislation will allow householders to sell up 30% of the energy produced to the grid, providing a modest income each year. This scheme should begin in late 2022. Most domestic users are only capable of having a micro generation facility of a rating up to 5.75 kW output to the grid. 

Micro generation for businesses and communities

Micro generation also applies where energy is generated and consumed on site, and not exported to the electrical grid. This concept of energy generation is understood as zero or low carbon heat and power generated by individuals, businesses or communities to serve their individual energy needs.

Micro generation renewable energy technologies can include:

• Solar photovoltaic

• Solar water heating

• Micro wind turbines

• Micro hydro electrical schemes

• Micro scale biomass stoves and boilers

• Ground / air source heat pumps

• Micro CHP plants:

The proposed micro generation policy also has an impact on any community project as the community will need to use 70% of the energy produced. This might work well in a building like a school during term time, but energy storage/utilisation will be needed outside of these times. For community halls these rules might rule out solar power being sold back to the grid as the power cannot be utilised as it is produced unless the hall is occupied during the day. In that case battery storage would be needed.

9.5.2 Other Renewable energy technologies available throughout Ireland

Large scale Wind and Solar Energy Generators

Energy generated using wind turbines has had a significant positive impact on Ireland’s electricity generation in recent years. This energy produces few emissions but as a development that has an impact on our landscape there are several planning requirements that any wind farm must meet. Each proposed development must assess the impact of wind farms on people, wildlife, plant species, waterways and any culturally or historically significant features that may be present in the area, through an Environmental Impact Assessment. According to the “Wicklow County Development plan 2016-2022” the Greystones/Delgany SEC area is “not favoured” area for wind energy potential.

Wicklow County Development plan 2016-2022 Wind Strategy Areas of wind Energy Potential
Figure 42 Wicklow County Development plan 2016-2022 Wind Strategy Areas of wind Energy Potential

Both solar energy and wind energy are progressive alternatives to traditional methods of energy production. Both are intermittent and have certain locations where power production is most efficient. In Ireland, solar energy is often used to heat and contribute to the electrical demand in homes, businesses, and outdoor infrastructure like lighting and CCTV.

Wind energy is usually used on a much larger scale and can meet higher energy demands. One of the biggest differences between solar energy and wind energy is their capacity factor. In wind energy, the capacity factor is determined by the availability of wind, the swept area of the turbine, and the size of the generator. 

In solar energy, the capacity factor is dependent on the efficiency of solar panels to convert available sunlight into usable electricity. In Ireland, the capacity factor of a wind turbine is between 35 – 40% while solar capacity factors are only 10 – 12%.

Hydro Energy 

Hydroelectric energy, also called hydroelectric power or hydroelectricity, is a form of energy that harnesses the power of water in motion—such as water flowing over a waterfall or from a river—to generate electricity.

Hydroelectric power costs vary depending on location, technology, and grid connection. The highest costs tend to be in planning and in civil engineering works. Although there are large upfront costs, hydroelectric has the benefit of operating 24/7. Hydroelectric plants must be considerate of the wildlife in the area and flooding concerns. 

The amount of electricity a hydroelectric site can generate is dependent on numerous factors including hydraulic head height (the height through which the water falls) and the flow speed of the water. The best sites are those which have large volumes of water all year round, with a large vertical drop in a short distance.

Hydroelectricity is a widely used form of renewable energy. It is considered to be a reliable and generally predictable and consistent source of renewable energy. Once a hydro-electric complex is constructed, the development produces no direct waste, and has a considerably lower output level of carbon dioxide than fossil fuel powered energy plants.

Bioenergy 

Bio-energy can be defined as the energy derived from biomass. Bioenergy is a renewable energy form generated when biomass fuels are burned for heat.  The three main categories of bio-energy are biomass, bioliquids and biofuels.

Biomass fuels are fuels made up of organic matter such as plants, trees, grasses, and even organic waste. In some cases, biofuel can be generated as a waste product, or by-product of other processes. Biofuel includes energy crops such as oilseed rape and willow etc. Waste wood from sawmills, straw left after the grain harvest, and animal manure are all forms of bioenergy. These forms of bioenergy are particularly useful as they would normally be considered useless and discarded; they can now be used to generate heat and or electricity. This means that no new emissions are introduced to the atmosphere in generating this type of fuel. Bioenergy is likely to play a significant role in the growth of the renewable energy sector, particularly in the areas of heat and transport, stimulating local economic activity.

Bio-energy technologies have the potential to contribute towards renewable energy targets for heat, electricity and transport in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors.  Examples of bio-energy technologies include:

  • Wood log stoves and boilers;
  • Wood log gasification boilers;
  • Woodchip/pellet boilers;
  • Combined heat and power (CHP) plants;
  • Anaerobic Digestion Plants.
Share
Share

Newsletter Signup

Name(Required)
Please send me the newsletter for:(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.