Join a sustainable energy community network
In Ireland over 1000 communities are working together to become more sustainable in how they use energy for the benefit of their community.
Across Ireland, communities are coming together to make their homes, schools, businesses and shared spaces more comfortable, affordable and future‑ready.
From warmer homes and lower energy bills, to cleaner transport and upgraded community facilities, SECs help their communities take practical action and see real benefits on the ground. They build skills, confidence and local momentum for long‑term change.
Benefits for communities
- Save money and energy across homes, community buildings and local businesses, freeing up money for what matters most locally.
- Warmer homes, better air quality and more comfortable schools, community centres and sports facilities.
- Develop local knowledge, create employment opportunities and keep skills and investment within the community.
- Build the capacity to plan, deliver and scale projects and unlock further funding and support.
- Contribute directly to national and local climate targets through practical, community‑led action.
- Ensure an equitable transition to a low‑carbon society that benefits everyone.
Supports for communities
When you join the SEC network, you gain access to practical support, guidance and a national community of people working towards shared energy goals.
- You will be assigned a local SEAI mentor who works with you to understand your community, your interests and your energy priorities. Your mentor supports you as you develop ideas and plan next steps.
- You can access dedicated SEAI funding of €10,000 to €25,000 to develop an Energy Master Plan. This funding helps you move from early ideas to a clear, realistic plan for action.
- You will be kept up to date on network activity through community platforms, e‑zines and network‑only groups. These channels allow you to share experiences, learn from others and stay connected.
- You will have opportunities to attend regional and national training sessions, events and webinars to build local skills, knowledge and confidence.
- You will receive signposting to further funding and support opportunities as your projects develop.
SEC Common Goals
A more sustainable community starts with using less energy, moving to clean sources, and using energy smarter.
Use less energy
Energy efficiency is the cheapest and most straightforward way for a community to become more sustainable. Most communities have buildings with old or outdated insulation, lighting or heating systems.
Use clean energy
Switching from fossil fuels to renewables is the next step where possible. This can be by way of renewable heating systems, changing energy suppliers, or generating energy.
Use smart energy
Technology gives us more control over how we heat homes, drive cars, or light buildings. Where suitable, communities can use these technologies to compliment their other actions.
Join a Sustainable Energy Community
There may already be a Sustainable Energy Community in your area. Our network map shows communities across the country and can help you connect with like‑minded people who have already taken the step to join the network.
Search the map to see if there is an existing community you can join, learn from or collaborate with locally.
Search the Network Map (opens in a new tab)Start a Sustainable Energy Community
Getting started
If there is no SEC in your local area, you may consider setting up your own. Developing energy projects takes time, commitment and an informed approach. Working together as a community helps to share the workload, achieve better value for money and create a bigger local impact.
The first step is to bring together a group of people who share your enthusiasm and motivation and form a steering committee. A steering committee is typically made up of members from across the community who bring a range of skills, experience and perspectives, and who represent the wider interests of the community.
Register your community
To join the network, you will need to complete the online registration form. This allows us to understand your community, your key areas of interest and how we can best support you.
Once your application to the network is approved, you will be assigned a local SEAI community mentor. Your mentor will contact you to provide guidance and support and help you start thinking about energy use in your community in an informed and practical way. They can also share information about the programme and examples from other communities similar to your own.
Join the network (opens in a new tab)Your community mentor
SEAI mentors work locally at county level and are supported through regional coordinators. This structure ensures that support and resources are available as close to communities as possible.
Your SEAI mentor will guide your community through the different stages of the programme, providing practical advice and support as you progress.
More about mentor support (opens in a new tab)Stages in your Sustainable Energy Community Journey
Learn Plan Do
The SEC programme is built around a Learn–Plan–Do approach. In the first stage, you’ll focus on getting established, meeting with your mentor, and learning from the experiences of other communities. SEAI offers a wide range of resources to support you at this stage, some of which are available here.
Learn about SECs (opens in a new tab)The Handbook will help you shape the future of your community by guiding you through the key steps needed to plan and achieve your long‑term vision. It is an interactive handbook with clickable links to useful resources throughout. It also signposts further information and includes editable PDF documents for you to use as you develop your community and projects.