Our Vision is for a transition to a clean, secure energy future for our citizens in an Ireland where communities – whether organised as co-operatives, voluntary associations
or individual citizens – are active participants in energy planning, conservation, energy
genera-on and energy distribution or ‘Community Energy’ as it is more commonly
known.

To attain the Government goal of a sustainable energy future it is essential that communities be supported and empowered to come together to improve energy efficiency and develop renewable energy projects, owned by the community, for the benefit of the community.

For individuals and community groups who are not in a position to develop their own renewable energy project, it is essential that they have the right to participate in developer-led projects in their areas. This must include more than just a consultation exercise, and more than compensatory ‘benefit’ or ‘gain’ payments. It must, rather, require developers to enter into partnerships with communities and offer them the opportunity of an equitable stake in any development

For these aspirations to be realised, there must be a shift in the current approach to delivering renewable energy projects in Ireland, particularly wind energy projects. Quite simply there are too many barriers which prevent communities from developing their own projects, and there is no mechanism to involve citizens in developer-led projects in a fair and equitable way

A fundamental shift in policy perspective is required that views citizens and communities as indispensable agents in securing our energy future, not obstacles to be negotiated.
Government policy must:
I. Recognise explicitly the positive role of citizens and communities as indispensable partners in the transition to a sustainable-energy future based on energy-saving, renewable energy genera-on and energy distribution
II. Establish a policy framework to support Community Energy including a Target for
Community Energy and commit to the following:
• A Feed in Tariff for solar electricity;
• A fair export tariff for surplus grid-connected micro-genera-on;
• A dedicated route to the national grid for community projects;
• A renewable heat incentive that includes communities;
• Providing a national community energy advice centre to support communities become active participants in a more equitable energy future;
• Capacity and capital supports for community actors to deliver energy efficiency and
renewable energy projects and
• Appropriate environmental assessment –particularly Strategic Environment Assessment – for all energy plans and policies.

A recent Eurobarometer survey showed 89% support for renewable energy targets in Ireland. However, amidst concerns with adverse local impacts and a perception of unequal participation in the benefits derived from national resources, some communities are actively resisting developments they feel they have no control over and see little benefit from. We believe that Community Energy is the key to ensuring strong public buy-in for renewable energy in Ireland, and will put us on track to reaching our full renewable energy potential.

Ireland imports 85% of its energy needs with an annual cost of €6.7 Billion. We must reduce this dependence by developing indigenous renewable energy resources, thereby insulating ourselves from volatile fossil fuel price and reducing our carbon emissions. This transition will also stimulate our economy, increase our competiveness and resilience and enhance our balance of payments.

Energy which is generated and used locally benefits local communities by keeping local money in local communities. It also stimulates local investment and creates local jobs by stabilising energy costs and supporting local businesses and people.

As an island Ireland has a relatively small grid which requires additional grid resilience earlier.. We recognise the necessity for grid stability and support measures which utilise the grid fairly and for the common good. We envisage communities contributing to, and benefiting from, the growth of a secure and stable smart grid via smart meters and micro-grids. We see, within reach, active energy citizens acting as ‘Prosumers’ (both producers and consumers) in local area groups actively providing grid support and stabilisation services while enabling the increasing penetration of renewable energy towards a near zero carbon energy future.

There can be no doubt that to realise a transition to a sustainable energy future of the scale and in the time-frame required, it needs to engage all our citizens to become proactive energy citizens.