Grants

Support For Exemplar Energy Efficiency Projects - SEEEP

*Due to the unprecedented demand for the Support for Exemplar Energy Efficiency Projects (SEEEP), the programme is now closed to new applications*

A finite amount of grant support is available from SEAI for both public and private sector bodies who undertake projects that achieve significant energy savings and create demand for labour-intensive services during implementation, in 2009.

• Applicants must already be participants in at least one SEAI programme.
• Successful applications for discretionary grants are chosen on a first come first served basis.
• The project must be completed and invoiced by 13^th November 2009.

This page is a summary guide only, please refer to Application Form Guide for detailed application guidance.

Description of Programme

As part of SEAI's energy cost reduction services for business and the public sector, financial support is available for energy efficiency projects that achieve significant energy savings and create demand for labour-intensive services during implementation.

Programme Objectives

The Programme objectives will be achieved by supporting public and private sector energy efficiency projects in Ireland which are relatively labour-intensive and deliver:

• Maximum value for money
• Strong, measurable energy savings

Who Can Avail of the Programme?

The Programme is open to private and public sector organisations participating in at least one of the following SEAI programmes:

All energy efficiency projects must be implemented in the Republic of Ireland. The grant application must be submitted by the organisation that participates in the above referenced programme(s). Please note that recipients of these grants must ensure that the relevant principles of Irish and EC law regarding the spending of this funding are complied with and, in particular, the laws and guidelines concerning public procurement.

What Projects are Eligible?

The grant support will be provided for energy efficiency project implementation – rather than for R&D, feasibility, design or demonstration aspects of energy efficiency projects.

The Programme is discretionary, that is: in line with the objective of supporting a range of exemplar projects and actions, applications may be less likely to succeed if similar projects have already been supported.  This will be at SEAI’s discretion, in accordance with the evaluation criteria set out.

It is not limited to any specific project types or technologies per se.  However, the Programme objectives will be best met if SEAI awards grants to energy efficiency projects that:

• Will deliver significant, quantifiable annual energy savings – in terms of kWh saved per year-  to the applicant organisations;
• Are labour-intensive – as opposed to capital-intensive;
• Will involve the direct engagement of specialist, contracted labour during implementation;
• Build on the assessments and investigations already undertaken through the other SEAI programmes
• Offer opportunities for demonstration and replication.

The supported projects will be used as exemplars to demonstrate the savings opportunities and encourage others to act.

What Level of Funding is Available?

• Private sector: Up to 35% funding is available. Generally, grant support will not be less than €10,000 and will not exceed €100,000;
• Public sector: Funding of typically 50% is available, although in some cases support up to 100% will be considered, for public bodies which are engaged in non-commercial activities. Generally, grant support will not be less than €15,000 and will not exceed €200,000;

SEAI reserves the right to update and revise the levels of grant funding available to the various project types and sectors.

Eligible Costs

The eligible costs are:

• External labour costs.
• Equipment, hardware or control systems costs necessary to implement the project.
• Additional external specialist fees which must be incurred to implement the project.

The following costs are ineligible:

• Any costs not directly related to the improving energy efficiency through the proposed energy efficiency project.
• Internal staff costs.

Note: Any costs that are incurred prior to formal grant approval - no matter what they relate to - are ineligible and will not be paid.