Ballymacash community joins project to tackle rising energy costs and climate change

The Sustainable Energy Communities NI (SEC NI) Project, an initiative designed by a number of organisations to foster community-led sustainable energy solutions across Northern Ireland, was recently launched by Advice NI.

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.

Supported by The National Lottery, the project will initially work across four communities namely, Mount Vernon Belfast, Ballymacash Lisburn, Lisnaskea Fermanagh, and Dolmens, Co Down who will be supported to help create and implement their own energy strategies to reduce fuel poverty, enhance energy efficiency, and contribute to Northern Ireland’s Net Zero targets.

Speaking at the launch event Kevin Higgins, Head of Policy at Advice NI said: “The SEC NI Project represents a critical step forward in how we address energy challenges in Northern Ireland.

“By empowering communities to take the lead in developing and implementing their own energy strategies, we are giving them the tools to make informed decisions that will not only reduce fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency but also contribute to our collective goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050.

"The project is about more than just addressing immediate energy concerns, it’s about building a sustainable approach for energy usage for generations to come.”

Laura Turner, Ballymacash Sports Academy said: “The SEC NI Project aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

"We are keen to work with the three other pilot Sustainable Energy Communities and the project partners to develop a sustainable energy future for everyone in our community.”

The SEC NI Project will follow a structured three-phase process. The first phase, ‘Learn’, will see communities guided by a project coordinator and mentor to understand their energy usage, efficiency opportunities, and potential for renewable solutions.

The ‘Plan’ phase involves creating an Energy Master Plan that assesses current energy needs and identifies practical, cost-effective measures for improvement.

In the ‘Do’ phase communities will be supported to execute their Energy Master Plan through action roadmaps and assistance in securing funding.