Four agri-businesses have been shortlisted as finalists in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Energy Awards 2020.
24 applicants across eight categories have been shortlisted, with the winners to be selected by a judging panel in the coming weeks.
The annual awards “recognise excellence” in sustainable energy in businesses, communities, research, buildings, renewables and the public sector.
Winners will be named at the awards ceremony in mid-October, with successful finalists chosen for “their innovative sustainable energy solutions”.
A tough year so far for businesses
What is notable this year in particular is that businesses throughout Ireland have faced significant challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Acknowledging this, Fergus Sharkey, head of business and public sector with the SEAI, said that he commends businesses for their unwavering “commitment and passion for sustainable energy and climate action”.
125 entries were received from businesses, communities and organisations across the country for this year’s awards.
This year’s categories include: Energy in Buildings; Innovative Deployment of Renewable Energy; and Energy Manager or Team of the Year. In the Excellence in Energy Research and Innovation category, the winner will receive a €10,000 bursary.
Ireland ‘on track’ to meet 2020 wind energy target
AgriLand has previously reported that new figures show that Ireland is on track to meet its 2020 renewable energy target following a “strong” few months.
The aim for 2020 is to source 40% of the country’s electricity from renewables, and figures from the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) show that wind provided 28.5% of Ireland’s electricity across April, May and June.
Overall, the amount of electricity generated by wind energy in the first half of this year was 36.8%.