Sustainable Energy Communities NI (SEC NI)

This collaborative effort addresses the urgent challenges of rising energy costs, fuel poverty, and the climate emergency by engaging communities directly in creating and implementing local energy strategies.

The project was brought about when a group of likeminded organisations came together to develop and design sustainable solutions in response to rising energy costs and the urgent need for climate action, two issues which have placed significant pressures on communities across Northern Ireland. The project is delivered by Advice NI as lead partner, alongside Atlantic Technological University, Co-operative Alternatives, Drumlin Wind Energy Co-operative, NEA NI and NI Community Energy.

The project will work across four pilot communities: Mount Vernon Community Development Forum, Ballymacash Sports Academy, Dolmens Climate Action Network and Lisnaskea Community Enterprises.

Partnership Members

The SEC NI Project brings together a strong coalition of partners, each contributing unique expertise and resources.

• Advice NI: A leading membership organisation supporting 65 advice centres across NI, providing guidance on benefits, debt, housing, employment, and consumer issues.
• Atlantic Technological University (ATU): A key player in Ireland's Sustainable Energy Communities scheme, offering technical advice and mentoring to nearly 200 SECs in Ireland.
• Co-operative Alternatives: Experts in cooperative and community benefit society development, offering legal, business, and financial planning support.
• National Energy Action NI (NEA): A charity dedicated to combating fuel poverty through energy efficiency advocacy, advice, and education.
• Drumlin Wind Energy Co-operative: A pioneering NI-based cooperative managing six community-owned wind turbines and supporting educational initiatives.
• Northern Ireland Community Energy (NICE): A Community Benefit Society promoting community-owned renewable energy and energy efficiency services in NI.
• Ballymacash Sports Academy: Located in Lisburn, this organisation is expanding its energy initiatives with project support.
• Dolmens Climate Action Network: A group in southeast County Down exploring local energy solutions.
• Lisnaskea Community Enterprises: A rural Fermanagh-based group focusing on energy improvements to combat fuel poverty.
• Mount Vernon: A community in North Belfast addressing energy challenges amidst high deprivation and fuel poverty.

Project Background

The SEC NI Project emerged from a deep concern over the lack of urgent government action on rising energy costs, fuel poverty, and the climate crisis. Recognising the need for grassroots involvement, the project seeks to empower communities to examine and address their own energy issues.

Drawing on the experience of Atlantic Technological University (ATU) with the Sustainable Energy Community model in Ireland, the project explores its application within the Northern Ireland context.

Project Structure

• Steering Group: Composed of representatives from the 10 partner organizations, overseeing and managing the project.
• Full-time Staff: A Project Manager and two Project Coordinators employed by Advice NI to facilitate project delivery.
• Advisory Group: Including representatives from Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Department for Communities, DAERA, The Utility Regulator, NIE Networks, universities, councils, and other key stakeholders.
• Pilot Communities: Ballymacash Sports Academy, Dolmens Climate Action Network, Lisnaskea Community Enterprises, and Mount Vernon are the pilot communities engaged in this initiative.

Outputs

By the end of the project, each of the four community partners will have an Energy Master Plan (EMP) for their area. Ballymacash will have progressed on energy installations. The project aims to secure funding to implement aspects of the EMPs and share insights to promote the SEC model across Northern Ireland.

Get Involved

Are you interested in being a part of the SEC NI Project? Click here to express your interest and join our efforts in building sustainable energy communities across Northern Ireland.