Transforming Homes: SEAI Reports Nearly 48,000 Energy Upgrades in Ireland
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) released a comprehensive report today outlining the significant progress in home energy upgrades supported by Government-funded SEAI grant schemes in the past year. The report highlights a substantial increase in the number of homes benefitting from energy-efficient upgrades and emphasises the growing momentum in both demand and supply within the sector.
In 2023, a remarkable 47,900 home energy upgrades were completed, marking a substantial 76% increase compared to the previous year. This exceeded the set target of 37,000 upgrades for the year by an impressive 30%. Notably, over 17,600 homes achieved a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or better, demonstrating significant progress in enhancing energy efficiency standards. Additionally, nearly 5,900 energy-poor households received free energy upgrades, further underscoring the commitment to addressing energy poverty.
Key Highlights of SEAI’s Report
The key outcomes for 2023 across all SEAI-administered schemes include:
– Over 47,900 home energy upgrades completed, reflecting a 76% year-on-year increase.
– Capital expenditure of €319.6 million, up by 70% compared to the previous year.
– Completion of over 17,600 BER B2 upgrades, showing a remarkable 108% year-on-year increase.
– Processing of over 67,400 applications, marking a 35% rise from the previous year.
– Nearly 5,900 fully funded energy upgrades for low-income households, indicating a 33% increase.
– Support for 664 Approved Housing Body upgrades under the One-Stop-Shop Service.
– Assistance provided to 44 fuel-poor homes through the Community Energy Grants Scheme.
Government’s Commitment to Energy Efficiency:
In addition to the SEAI initiatives, the Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, unveiled data revealing that an additional 2,445 homes underwent retrofitting under the Local Authority Energy Efficiency Programme. This brings the total number of supported upgrades to almost 50,400 for the year.
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, expressed satisfaction with the progress made, emphasizing the effectiveness of retrofitting in enhancing home comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. The Minister highlighted the growing interest in energy upgrades and reiterated the commitment to achieving ambitious targets, including retrofitting 500,000 homes by 2030.
Future Plans and Focus Areas:
Dr. Ciaran Byrne, Director of National Retrofit at SEAI, commended the positive momentum in home energy upgrades observed in 2023. He emphasized the increasing awareness among homeowners regarding the benefits of retrofitting, including improved comfort, reduced costs, and enhanced property value. Despite challenges such as inflation and supply constraints, significant progress was made.
Noteworthy achievements in 2023 included a considerable uptake in residential solar photovoltaic installations, showcasing the immediate benefits and sustainability of solar energy. While heat pump installations also saw a notable increase, efforts will focus on accelerating their adoption in the coming years. Dr. Byrne highlighted the importance of homeowner education and supply chain development to meet the ambitious targets outlined in the Climate Action Plan.
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