Research & Innovation

~ Aran Islands Renewable Energy Ltd wins top prize as organisations honoured for energy savings of €20 million ~

Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árainn Teo (Aran Islands Renewable Energy Ltd) was named this year’s overall winner of the Sustainable Energy Awards 2014 for its range of energy projects to develop the islands as energy self-sustaining and carbon neutral. The 11th   Sustainable Energy Awards gala event in Dublin last night hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and sponsored by Electric Ireland, reward excellence in energy innovation amongst Irish organisations of all sizes, across the business, community and public sectors.

Residents on the three Aran Islands collaborated to establish a co-operative to reduce the islands’ dependence on imported fossil fuels and deliver energy independence by 2022. This co-op is trialling innovations in renewable energy, running energy awareness programmes amongst resident groups and undertaking retrofit programmes in homes and public buildings. Over 20% of its housing stock will have insulation upgrades by the end of 2014.

Congratulating all the winners, Mr. Alex White TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources commented “There is a national movement towards a more sustainable energy future which is evident in the sheer range of organisations honoured by SEAI at the annual Sustainable Energy Awards tonight. The Aran Islands Renewable Energy Ltd is just one example of the way in which energy efficiency has been embraced by communities and local organisations throughout the country. Delivering a sustainable energy future will make our homes and businesses more comfortable, healthier and cheaper to run, while replacing expensive imported fossil fuel with domestic jobs. I would like to commend all  the participants tonight and urge more communities in Ireland to get active and get involved in local energy saving projects.

Speaking on the night, Brian Motherway CEO, SEAI said: “Communities and businesses all over Ireland are taking control of their energy issues, reducing their costs and exploiting local resources. Sustainable Energy is a great opportunity for Ireland.We have high ambitions in this area and the Awardsrecognise the leaders that are making it happen.” 

Other winners on the night included, Aurivo Dairy Ingredients which won the Leadership Award for their on-going energy efficiency and training projects achieving a 70% reduction in oil consumption following the installation of a biomass boiler using locally sourced fuel.

Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group, a collaboration of DePuy Synthes, GSK, Janssen Biologics and Novartis, was recognised for their project which saved 30% on their collective energy bill by installing three wind turbines on site.

Cork Airport won the Public Sector Award for meeting its 2020 national energy efficiency target six years ahead of schedule.

The Small Business Award went to Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel and Spa in Donegal for its success in reducing the use of electricity, heat and water in the hotel.

Jim Dollard, Executive Director of Electric Ireland said “Electric Ireland is once again delighted to have partnered with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for the Sustainable Energy Awards. We continue to see ambitious projects with big savings from all the participants in this competition but it is as always a pleasure to see them surpass our expectations and spur the energy industry on to bigger and better things.”  

Further information on the 2014 Sustainable Energy Awards and the winners can be found on SEAI’s website www.seai.ie/energyawards

About SEAI

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has a mission to play a leading role in the transformation of Ireland to a society based on sustainable energy structures, technologies and practices. SEAI is partly financed by Ireland’s EU Structural Funds Programme co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union.

The Awards Categories: Purpose, Description & Winners

1. Innovation Winner: OxyMem, Athlone

Oxymem’s project is all about efficient waste water treatment and the aeration process. This innovation feeds oxygen into the process more efficiently with 90% energy savings demonstrated on one pilot site. OxyMem  has now commercialised this breakthrough technology.

2. Collaboration Winner: Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group (CLHEG)

Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group is a collaborative venture between four companies: DePuy Synthes, GSK, Janssen Biologics and Novartis. The Group developed a collective planning application for three large wind turbines around their sites in Ringaskiddy. In addition, a Community outreach team worked with local communities and provided funding for local initiatives.

3. Research Winner: UCC Intelligent Efficiency Research Group (IERG), Cork

This research project investigated the operation of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning in typical buildings. The outcome was the development of a tool which allows the users to identify the energy saving opportunities with these systems in a simple and systematic manner.

4. Built Environment Winner: DCS Group, Tralee

This project involved the retrofit of seven Tesco stores with LED Lighting. It has delivered on average 50% savings across all seven Tesco stores.  The project investment was funded through a ‘Pay as You Save’ Model, reducing the barriers, business risks, and capital requirement for Tesco to adopt this new technology.

5.  Community Winner: Kilkenny Better Energy Communities

The project known as the Kilkenny Better Energy Community project is a unique community collaboration which encompasses many different aspects of the community, small medium enterprises, local authority, sports clubs, community centres and social and voluntary housing. Their projects have afforded the community the benefits of energy efficient upgrades in lighting, insulation, energy efficient cooling systems, heating controls, renewable energy and improved energy management systems.

6.  Industry Winner: Queally Group, Naas

The Queally Group has undertaken several energy saving projects with wide-ranging benefits.  The installation of a de-superheater, condenser and oil cooling recovery system had savings of 44% energy, which was then used to heat water.  An old, inefficient boiler was replaced with a new gas boiler which saved over €500,000.

7.  Public Sector Winner: Cork Airport

Over the past 6 years Cork Airport has transformed itself into a highly efficient, best practice organisation leading the way in the airline industry and public sector. It prioritised low cost/no cost opportunities through increasing awareness, staff participation, training, management and operational control. Cork airport has already achieved its 33% 2020 energy reduction target with 6 years remaining.

8.  Small Business Winner: Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel & Spa, Donegal

The cost reduction programme implemented by Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel & Sap included boiler and heating control upgrades, low energy lighting and water conservation measures. In addition, staff training has embedded energy awareness into the hotel activities.

9.  Leadership Winner: Aurivo Dairy Ingredients, Roscommon

Aurivo carried out many efficiency projects and installed a large biomass boiler, using locally sourced fuel, delivering many socio economic benefits to the North West region. The project has delivered energy cost savings in excess of 33%. An indigenous company, using largely Irish designed and manufactured equipment.

10.  Electric Ireland Ambition Award Winner: Comharchumann Fuinneamh Oileáin Arainn Teo (Aran Island Renewable Energy Ltd)

Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árainn Teo (CFOAT) was founded by the residents of the Aran Islands to reduce the islands’ dependence on imported fossil fuels and deliver energy independence by 2022. The cooperative group is actively engaging technology developers to trial innovations in renewable energy, running energy awareness programmes amongst resident groups and undertaking retrofit programmes in homes and public buildings. Over 20% of its housing stock will have insulation upgrades by the end of 2014.