The West Kerry Dairy Farmers Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) is inviting quotations for a consultant to prepare an “energy master plan” (EMP).
The group, located on the Dingle Peninsula, established the first dairy farmers SEC in the country.
Up to 100 dairy farms would be included in the EMP, including both domestic dwellings and farm buildings.
“These farms operate as small businesses, some on a larger scale than others, as well as homes for farm families,” the group said.
“A steering committee has been formed and includes dairy farmers from throughout the study area, as well as members from the general community with an understanding of the issues involved.
The Dingle Peninsula is actively facing up to the challenges presented by climate change with a host of agencies and groups addressing the issues arising from our changing climate.
SEC committee members have recently completed a Community Energy Mentor Course run by the Dingle Hub, in association with the Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB).
The Dingle Hub recently completed an EMP for the whole peninsula, which will be “very useful in informing” the dairy farmers on their project.
Sustainable Energy Communities
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has established a dedicated SEC network.
The SEC network is a support framework designed to enable a better understanding of how communities use energy and to save energy across all sectors.
SECs enter into a three-year partnership agreement with SEAI. Over this three-year timeframe, SECs have access to SEAI technical supports to help establish an EMP.
The objective of the request for quotation by the West Kerry Dairy Farmers SEC is to identify a suitably qualified and experienced consultant to carry out the necessary analysis and to prepare an EMP.