Tag: green

How Sustainable Hardware is Powering Ireland’s Tech Future

Ireland is Europe’s digital heartland, where rapid technological growth must now balance with strict environmental commitments. Today, implementing energy-efficient solutions is vital for maintaining the country’s competitive edge and protecting its natural resources. By optimizing power usage and component lifecycles through durability and recycling, local firms are proving that high performance can be environmentally responsible.

The Push for Energy Efficiency in Data Centers

As of early 2026, Ireland hosts 82 operational data centers, with several clusters located in the Dublin region. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), these facilities now consume approximately 22% of Ireland’s total metered electricity. This marks a significant milestone, as the energy use of data hubs has officially surpassed that of all urban households in the country combined. Efficient hardware development plays a critical role in this transition by optimizing power usage and extending the lifecycle of electronic components. To address this, operators are moving away from traditional cooling systems toward liquid cooling and advanced airflow management.

The integration of smart sensors and IoT devices allows for real-time monitoring of energy patterns. This data-driven approach ensures that every watt is accounted for. Engineers are implementing several strategies to keep these massive hubs running cleanly:

  • District Heating Integration: The pioneering project in Tallaght now successfully recaptures waste heat from server farms to provide low-carbon heating for the Technical University Dublin (TUD) campus and local public buildings.
  • Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems equipped with lithium-ion batteries for better storage density and faster response times during grid fluctuations.
  • Advanced power distribution units (PDUs) that minimize transmission loss within the server racks through optimized voltage conversion.
  • High-efficiency voltage regulators that stabilize power flow for sensitive AI-ready processors, reducing heat generation.

Circular Economy and Lifecycle Management

The tech industry is notorious for rapid obsolescence, especially with the surge in AI hardware demands. However, the Irish tech sector is pioneering a “circular” approach to physical assets. Instead of the traditional “take-make-dispose” model, firms are adopting modular designs. This means when a single part fails or becomes outdated, technicians replace only that specific module rather than the entire unit. This practice significantly reduces electronic waste, which remains a critical environmental priority for the EU.

Sustainability starts at the design phase. Local innovators are selecting materials that are easier to recover and reuse. This shift requires a deep understanding of metallurgy and chemical engineering to ensure that performance remains top-tier. Several key factors contribute to this more sustainable lifecycle for enterprise devices:

  1. Standardization of components to allow for cross-brand compatibility and significantly easier repairs in the field.
  2. Implementation of “take-back” programs where manufacturers reclaim old server chassis for professional refurbishment and resale.
  3. Use of biodegradable or highly recyclable polymers in the outer casings of industrial electronics to minimize landfill impact.
  4. Refining the extraction process for rare earth metals found in printed circuit boards to create a closed-loop supply chain.

 

Renewable Integration and Grid Stability

A major part of Ireland’s tech future involves syncing hardware with the renewable energy grid. Ireland is a world leader in wind energy, which supplied approximately 34% of national electricity demand throughout 2025. However, wind is intermittent. Sustainable infrastructure must be “grid-aware,” meaning it can adjust its power intake based on the current supply of green energy. This requires specialized power management firmware and robust electrical components that can handle fluctuations without crashing the system.

Leading facilities in Dublin and Cork are already experimenting with “demand-response” technology. During periods of low wind, these systems automatically throttle non-critical tasks to lower the load on the grid. This level of synchronization is only possible through highly specialized equipment. The following elements are essential for creating this harmony between the tech sector and the environment:

  • Variable speed drives (VSDs) in cooling fans that adjust precisely to the needed thermal load, preventing energy waste.
  • Artificial intelligence controllers that predict peak energy pricing and shift heavy computational workloads to “greener” hours.
  • Solid-state storage devices (SSDs) that consume up to 50% less power during active read/write cycles than traditional spinning drives.

By investing in these advanced physical solutions, Ireland is creating a blueprint for other digital economies. The focus on efficiency, modularity, and grid integration ensures that the tech sector can grow without compromising the planet.

Eighteen Events Announced for Dublin City’s Local Enterprise Week 2026

Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample 18 events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in Dublin City. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from the 2nd to the 7th of March this year across the country.

While there are hundreds of events taking place nationally during the week, there are plenty of events in Dublin City open to all. These events will focus on helping small businesses or anyone just looking to get started on their business journey to plan, start, sustain and grow.  From AI and Green regulations to Food and Finance workshops there will be something for every type of business across the week.

Each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices will be running a full programme of events in their area that will cover a variety of topics relevant to small businesses and those starting up.  The events are open to all, from budding entrepreneurs to established businesses and offers the opportunity to get expert advice on key areas of business from raising funds, improving your online presence, the benefits of AI, to how to make your business more productive and save money.

Warren Cray, Head of Enterprise, Dublin City Council said on the upcoming events: 

“Local Enterprise Week is the highlight of the year for us at LEO Dublin City. It’s a real opportunity for businesses to step back and look at where they can grow, innovate, or perhaps become more sustainable — and to discover what support is right on their doorstep. Whether you’re running an established business or you’ve been sitting on an idea and wondering where to start, this is the week to do something about it. I’d encourage anyone with even a passing interest to come along, you might be surprised at what’s possible.”

The Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide.  Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including funding, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.

They also run key initiatives to foster entrepreneurship across the country including Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the Student Enterprise Programme and the National Enterprise Awards.  The Local Enterprise Offices are also running a campaign encouraging small businesses to save time money and energy by availing of their competitiveness and productivity supports including Green, Lean and Digital for Business. www.AllInADaysWork.ie

For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie

Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week, from March 2nd to 7th March, are available at www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Week

For the Full List of Dublin City Events: Local Enterprise Week Dublin City Events 2026.

Ørsted and EnergyCloud turn excess green energy into free hot water for Kerry residents

Leading renewable energy company Ørsted today announced a partnership with the charity EnergyCloud to provide up to 100 homes in Kerry with free hot water through surplus renewable energy from its wind farms in Kilgarvan.

Through Ørsted’s community benefit fund, EnergyCloud, working in partnership with Kerry County Council, will provide free hot water to the homes that are geographically nearest to Ørsted’s wind farms, dependent on tenant sign-up.  EnergyCloud will heat the home’s water tank during times of energy curtailment through smart immersion technology, with homes under Kerry County Council’s stock eligible for the scheme. Ørsted will provide approximately €500 per home to the initiative.

TJ Hunter, Vice President Onshore, Ireland and the UK said: “Our community benefit is all about supporting local communities for the long term. Partnering with EnergyCloud is a great example of how we can make that happen. By using surplus renewable energy, we’re helping households in need. It’s proof that renewable energy can do more than just power homes, it supports communities.”

Alan Wyley, CEO of EnergyCloud Ireland said: “We’re delighted to partner with Ørsted Onshore Ireland and Kerry County Council on this trial that will make a real difference to people’s lives. This is a simple but effective way to provide an essential service like hot water, while making better use of Ireland’s renewable resources. We hope this initiative will drive others to do similar projects”.

The initiative supplies homes with smart immersion controllers, enabling free overnight hot water heating during periods of surplus renewable energy. This will be EnergyCloud’s first project in county Kerry and builds on its existing collaborations with local authorities and approved housing bodies in counties including Offaly, Cork, Galway, and Limerick.

Ørsted has three operational wind farms in the Kilgarvan area – Kilgarvan, Sillahertane, and Inchincoosh – which have a combined generating capacity of 86 MW of green electricity across 38 turbines, enough to power more than 53,000 homes annually.

Having already operated in the area since 2007, Ørsted has also started the Kilgarvan Repower project, which will replace 28 turbines, totalling 77.5 MW, with up to 11 more modern machines. These existing wind farms, located northeast of Kilgarvan village, have been operational since 2007 and 2009.

This year, €86,000 has been made available for Kerry communities in through Ørsted’s Community Benefit Fund. Community groups and initiatives such as, Kilgarvan Central School and Kilgarvan GAA Club have previously received funding from this initiative.

Tech sector emissions, energy use grow with rise of AI

Tech sector carbon emissions continued their rise in recent years, fueled by rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and data infrastructure, according to Greening Digital Companies 2025.

The report, produced by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA), tracks the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy use, and climate commitments of 200 leading digital companies as of 2023, the most recent year for which full data is available.

While the annual report calls on digital companies to address their growing environmental footprint, it also indicates encouraging progress. Worldwide, more companies had set emissions targets, sourced renewable energy and aligned with science-based frameworks.

“Advances in digital innovation — especially AI — are driving up energy consumption and global emissions,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “While more must be done to shrink the tech sector’s footprint, the latest Greening Digital Companies report shows that industry understands the challenge — and that continued progress depends on sustaining momentum together.”

Global AI expansion fuels energy demand

According to the latest edition of the report, electricity consumption by data centers — which power AI development and deployment, among other uses — increased by 12 per cent each year from 2017 to 2023, four times faster than global electricity growth.

Four leading AI-focused companies alone saw their operational emissions increase in the reporting period by 150 per cent on average since 2020. This rise in energy that is either produced or purchased – known as Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions – underscores the urgent need to manage AI’s environmental impact.

In total, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions reported by the 166 digital companies covered by the report contributed 0.8 per cent of all global energy-related emissions in 2023.

The 164 digital companies that reported electricity consumption accounted for 2.1 per cent of global electricity use, at 581 terawatt-hours (TWh), with 10 companies responsible for half of this total.

“Digital companies have the tools and influence to lead the global climate transition, but progress must be measured not only by ambition, but by credible action,” said Lourdes O. Montenegro, Director of Research and Digitisation at WBA. “This report provides a clear signal to the international community: more companies are stepping up, but emissions and electricity use continues to rise.”

Progress amid rising challenges

Although emissions continued their rise, Greening Digital Companies 2025 highlights steps taken by many tech firms that suggest a strengthening of transparency and accountability.

Eight companies scored above 90 per cent in the report’s climate commitment assessment on data disclosure, targets and performance. This is up from just three in last year’s report.

For the first time, the report includes data on companies’ progress toward meeting climate targets and realizing stated net-zero ambitions. Almost half of the companies assessed had committed to achieving net-zero emissions, with 41 firms targeting 2050 and 51 aiming for earlier deadlines.

Other trends among the 200 digital companies featured in the report include:

  • Renewable energy adoption: 23 companies operated on 100 per cent renewable energy in 2023, up from 16 in 2022.
  • Dedicated climate reporting: 49 companies released standalone climate reports, signaling greater transparency.
  • Scope 3 consideration: The number of companies publishing targets on indirect emissions from supply chains and product use rose from 73 to 110, showing increasing awareness of industry impacts.

A call for bold, collaborative and immediate action

Highlighting how the tech sector can ensure long-term digital sustainability, the joint ITU-WBA report recommends that companies:

  • Strengthen data verification, target ambition and climate reporting, including by publishing climate transition action plans.
  • Disclose the full environmental footprint of their AI operations.
  • Foster cross-sector collaboration among tech firms, energy producers and environmental advocates, alongside industry initiatives to drive accelerated digital decarbonization.
  • Keep accelerating renewable energy adoption.

“The Greening Digital Companies report has become a vital tool in tracking the climate footprint of the tech sector,” said Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau. “Despite the progress made, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, confirming that that the need for digital companies to adopt science-aligned, transparent, and accountable climate strategies has never been greater. ITU’s work in monitoring the environmental impact of the sector is a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable digital transformation.”

ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau is working with regulators, statisticians, academics, and industry experts to define indicators that support national GHG monitoring and data-driven action through the Expert Group on Telecommunication/ICT Indicators.

As the COP30 UN climate conference approaches, ITU’s Green Digital Action aims to ensure that updated climate pledges and adaptation plans will fully reflect the complete impacts of digital technologies.

5 Green Initiatives Every Business Should Implement

For any business in this modern day of living, going green shouldn’t be much of an issue. There’s ample opportunity nowadays to cut down your waste and help the environment wherever possible.

After all, we all bear a responsibility to the environment, and that’s one that weighs even heavier for the average business in comparison to domestic households.

Here are five green initiatives that every business, including yours, should implement right now.

1. Reducing waste and recycling more

Is there waste that you’re getting rid of that could actually be recycled or reused in some way? How much are you contributing currently, and what does that compare to with other businesses?

Every ounce of waste you contribute to the landfills does damage to the world around us ,and so it’s important to try and minimize the waste as much as possible for your business. Look at what methods you could use to reduce waste and recycle more within your business. There’s likely a lot of change you could make for the benefit of the environment.

2. Go paperless

Going paperless is certainly important and a good way of helping to reduce the amount of wasted trees that are being cut down. It’s impacting the local wildlife and the habitats of animals that rely on trees as their homes.

Living in the digital world we’re in now, there’s really no excuse not to go paperless. If you’re doing a lot of your work online, reading documents and signing them through a computer screen, then there’s a lot of paper usage that could be cut.

3. Invest in solar panel energy

Solar panel energy has become increasingly popular due to the accessibility of these panels and the ROI it provides over time. It’s a lot more affordable than it once was, due to the demand it now has.

Everything that you can do to help reduce your energy consumption is key, so switching to commercial solar solutions might be just the change required to do more to help.

4. Build sustainable supply chains

Building sustainable supply chains is a great way to have a wider impact beyond just your own company. You can make a conscious choice to work closer with companies that are more sustainably driven and are making an active effort to be green in their practices.

Take a look at what your suppliers are doing currently and whether they’re able to adapt and change at your request. If not, then you could always look elsewhere for your suppliers.

5. Corporate responsibility initiatives 

Finally, there’s a responsibility to do more as businesses, so why not have some corporate responsibility initiatives in place? These can be a clear message to the general public that you have a commitment to sustainability. Support local programs and run your own to help encourage employees to make their own efforts.

With these green initiatives, you can work towards a more environmentally-conscious company that takes action and makes an impact that lasts. Use these tips to help get started with your business.

 

The Influence of 5W30 Engine Oil on Green Motoring

In today’s world, where the health of our planet is more precarious than ever, every choice you make can contribute to a greener tomorrow. When it comes to driving, the type of engine oil you choose might seem like a small detail, but it holds significant potential for reducing your car’s environmental impact. Let’s delve into how 5W30 engine oil plays a pivotal role in promoting green motoring.

Understanding the Role of 5W30 Engine Oil

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Among the various options, 5w30 engine oil stands out for its viscosity, which makes it suitable for a wide range of temperatures. But there’s more to this oil than meets the eye. Its formulation can significantly affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and, consequently, its emissions.

Imagine, if you will, a marriage between technology and nature. Just as two people unite with the hope of a better future, selecting the right engine oil for your vehicle combines scientific advancements with a commitment to environmental stewardship. This harmonious union helps reduce the carbon footprint of your daily commute, much like nurturing a relationship helps both partners grow.

How 5W30 Engine Oil Enhances Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency isn’t just about saving money at the pump; it’s also about reducing your vehicle’s emissions. 5W30 engine oil is designed to work optimally within the engine, minimizing friction and wear. This means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to deliver the same power, thereby burning less fuel and releasing fewer emissions.

Consider the joy of finding out your actions have national implications. Just like when a country’s athletes win on an international stage, bringing pride to their nation, choosing an eco-friendly engine oil like 5W30 can help your country achieve environmental goals. Each drop of oil may seem insignificant, but collectively, they can drive a nation toward a greener future.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Some might argue that the impact of switching to a more environmentally friendly engine oil is too small to bother with. However, it’s crucial to remember that great changes often start with small steps. By choosing 5W30 engine oil, you’re not just maintaining your car; you’re taking a proactive step towards a healthier planet.

In a world increasingly devoid of branches, where direct and straightforward solutions are often hidden amidst complexity, opting for 5W30 engine oil offers a branchless path to environmental responsibility. It’s a simple switch that has a straightforward benefit: better fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Your Role in Green Motoring

You might wonder how significant your individual contribution can be. It’s natural to feel like a single drop in a vast ocean. But remember, every ocean starts with single drops coming together. By selecting 5W30 engine oil, you’re joining a community of responsible drivers who are collectively making a substantial impact on the environment.

You have the power to influence the market as well. Manufacturers pay attention to consumer trends. Increased demand for environmentally friendly products like 5W30 engine oil pushes companies to innovate and improve these products, further enhancing their benefits and availability.

Taking the Next Steps

Now that you understand the importance and benefits of using 5W30 engine oil in the context of green motoring, the next steps are straightforward. Check your vehicle’s manual to confirm the recommended oil type and consider making the switch at your next oil change. It’s a small gesture, but as part of a global effort, it contributes significantly to a larger movement towards sustainability.

Engage with your community about the benefits of green motoring. Share your knowledge and experiences, and encourage friends and family to make similar environmentally conscious decisions. Together, you can amplify the impact of your choices, driving towards a cleaner, greener future.

Embracing a Greener Path

Every decision you make, from the brand of engine oil you buy to how often you choose to walk instead of drive, shapes the world you live in. By choosing 5W30 engine oil, you are taking a proactive step not just in maintaining your vehicle but in nurturing the planet. It’s a simple choice that marries your personal interests with the broader, national quest for sustainability. Remember, in the grand narrative of environmental conservation, every little action counts. Let your green journey start with your next oil change, and drive proud, knowing that you are part of the solution.

Microsoft announces pioneering green hydrogen pilot project with ESB

Microsoft announced today that it has entered into an agreement with ESB that will see its data centre power control and administration building in Dublin be powered by zero emissions green hydrogen power. The landmark pilot project is the first time that Hydrogen Fuel Cells will be used to provide electricity to a Microsoft data centre in Europe, supplying up to 250kW of clean energy to Microsoft’s Dublin campus over an eight-week period.

ESB’s zero-emission Hydrogen Fuel Cells convert stored green hydrogen to electricity, with the only by-product being pure water. Designed to replace diesel generators, Hydrogen Fuel Cells produce no carbon emissions or harmful local air pollutants such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which can have significant health and environmental impacts.

The groundbreaking pilot is part of a series planned by ESB in 2024 and 2025 to showcase the versatility of hydrogen fuel cell technology in different power applications.  The pilot is the first step in demonstrating the potential impact that hydrogen energy can have in helping to decarbonise the strategically important data centre sector in Ireland.

Commenting on the launch of the pilot, Eoin Doherty, Vice President, EMEA Regional Leader, Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation, said: “The green hydrogen project we’re launching with ESB is a pioneering first for Microsoft in Europe, demonstrating how zero-emissions hydrogen can be harnessed to power our digital lives. If scaled successfully, it could provide new ways of advancing sustainability in our sector and beyond.”

Lavinia Morris, General Manager, Microsoft’s EMEA Data Centre Operations, commented further: “This pilot project is another important step in our journey to transition to carbon-free electricity supply for our data centres, buildings, and campuses around the world. As we look to advance a more sustainable future, we hope to build on the success of this pilot project and continue to find innovative ways to decarbonise our operations.”

Jim Dollard, ESB Executive Director, Generation and Trading, commented: “ESB believe green hydrogen will play an important role in the net zero energy system of the future. We’re delighted to be working with Microsoft on this innovative pilot project that will showcase the potential for green hydrogen as part of zero emission electricity generation for data centres.” 

Microsoft’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell pilot project, in collaboration with ESB, is aligned with the ‘Principles for Sustainable Data Centre Development’ set out by Government in its 2022 policy statement by supporting the development of data centres that make efficient use of the electricity grid and delivering renewable energy.

Today’s announcement to harness green hydrogen is one of many steps and innovations that Microsoft is bringing to the data centre sector to ensure the sustainability of its existing and future cloud and AI infrastructure. In 2020, Microsoft announced an ambitious set of goals, encompassing all global infrastructure and operations, to be a carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste company that protect ecosystems by 2030.

As well as investing in innovative technologies, Microsoft is playing a key role in helping to decarbonise the electricity grid. In November 2022, Microsoft announced new renewable energy contracts related to the development of more than 900 megawatts of onshore wind and solar energy projects in Ireland alone. The projects will see Microsoft significantly contribute to the Irish Government’s 2030 corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) target.

This pilot project also builds upon Microsoft’s ongoing testing and innovation in the area of hydrogen power, more of which is detailed here.

ASUS Announces Fresh New Verdure Green Color for Zenfone 11 Ultra

ASUS today announced Verdure Green, a fresh new color option for its Zenfone 11 Ultra lineup that pays homage to the lush greenery of New York’s Central Park, an oasis of calm in a bustling city. This new shade offers the user a touch of serenity, wherever they go.

Building upon the Zenfone 11 Ultra’s legacy of innovation, the Verdure Green variant retains all the hallmark features that users have come to love. The Verdure Green variant maintains consistency in design, with both the upgraded aluminum-framed, glossy glass-covered triple-lens camera module and the back cover elegantly clad in the same captivating color. This harmonious design aesthetic ensures a visually striking device that stands out from the crowd. Additionally, the on-trend green colorway gives users an up-to-date fashion choice to suit modern style sensibilities.

Zenfone 11 Ultra provides more of everything, packing a more expansive screen, a faster processor, and a bigger battery into its meticulously-designed chassis.  The phone includes a raft of AI-powered features, including AI Noise Cancelation, AI Call Translator, AI Transcript, and AI Wallpaper, which make the user’s mobile lifestyle easier and more fulfilling[i]. ASUS continues to deliver cutting-edge technology wrapped in an ultra-elegant package.

The Zenfone 11 Ultra in Verdure Green delivers the perfect blend of style and technology, elevating users’ AI-powered mobile experience and making a statement with this fresh new addition to the Zenfone family.

“The Color plan pursues the essence of simplicity and nature, inspired by the colors and inspired by the Life, to pay tribute to the incomparable beauty of nature. Low-chroma color matching provides maximum product adaptability across a wide range of environments.” said Jess Wu, Industrial Design Senior Manager. “Drawing inspiration from the Earth’s natural elements, the phone’s back cover showcases a range of earth-inspired hues, including Eternal Black, Skyline Blue, Misty Gray, and Desert Sand. These colors not only add vibrancy and innovation to the phone’s design but also evoke a sense of tranquillity, stability, energy, and presence, reminiscent of the serenity found in nature’s elements.”

“In addition to all those features, we’ve embraced sustainability from the design phase, incorporating eco-friendly practices throughout. This includes a touch panel with 22% PIR recycled glass, a protective case made from 50% PCR recycled plastic, a 100% recycled aluminum frame, and fully sustainable packaging,” concluded Jess Wu. “Our packaging materials are FSC-certified, printed with non-toxic soy-based inks, and all phone and cable components are encased in paper. We are committed to making strides in sustainability, from the inside out.”

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra in Verdure Green will be available from 17th June 2024 in Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Czechia from https://www.asus.com/mobile-handhelds/phones/zenfone/zenfone-11-ultra/.

SSE Airtricity announces €5 million Generation Green Community Fund

SSE Airtricity has launched a €5 million all-island Community Fund with the aim of delivering meaningful community benefits across the island of Ireland. The company plans to undertake a ten week consultation process, which opens today, and which will continue until 26 July, inviting views from communities, individuals and organisations from towns, villages, inner cities, and rural heartlands, to advise how the fund could best support green initiatives throughout our communities.
The SSE Airtricity Generation Green Community fund is part of SSE Airtricity’s commitment to customers and the communities it serves by supporting them on the path to net zero through education, awareness raising, as well as grant funding and energy efficiency supports. The fund aims to support communities in reaching net zero by delivering a positive and lasting social impact.
Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development said: “I am delighted that SSE Airtricity has officially launched its €5 million Green Generation Community Fund. This is a transformative level of funding that will make a real and lasting difference in rural and urban communities. It’s pleasing to see SSE Airtricity acknowledge the integral role that local communities the length and breadth of Ireland will play in the transition to Net Zero through the launch of its community fund and consultation process today.
“This new fund will support local communities across Ireland with biodiversity, education, and decarbonisation projects, along with enhancing services and amenities in rural and urban areas.
I would encourage local communities and organisations to positively engage with SSE Airtricity and its Green Generation Community Fund during the consultation phase.”
Klair Neenan, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity, said: “Getting to net zero is in everyone’s interest and local communities will be at the heart of the energy transition. We know there are passionate people and groups working hard across Ireland and we want to help them make a positive difference by powering up their sustainability plans. But funding can often be an issue. That’s why we’re delighted to launch our unique Generation Green Community Fund.
“We know issues like biodiversity, education and decarbonisation are big priorities but to ensure the funding makes the biggest difference we want to hear from local communities directly.  That’s why we’re launching this initial consultation, and we look forward to hearing from communities and individuals, to inform how the fund should be used.”
As part of the consultation process, SSE Airtricity is inviting local communities and individuals to shape what the priorities for the fund should be. This will ensure the fund focuses on what is most important to communities. Examples of priorities may include green energy upgrades for community buildings, community biodiversity projects or green skills workshops and education.
The SSE Airtricity Generation Green Community Fund will be administered in line with a number of UN Sustainable Development Goals, aligning with SSE Airtricity’s core sustainability priorities around community, biodiversity, education and decarbonisation.
The company has a long-standing commitment of supporting its customers and community groups. In response to the global energy crisis in 2022 and 2023, SSE Airtricity established a €25 million customer support fund to help its customers deal with the impacts of inflation.
The SSE Airtricity Generation Green Community Fund will be open to application later this year, following the initial consultation period.
To submit your views to the consultation or for more information, please visit: www.sseairtricity.com/communityfund