*(L-R) EnergyCloud CEO Alan Wyley, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Joe Killeen, Delivery Director at FuturEnergy Ireland, Mary Lynch and Chief Executive of Clare County Council Gordon Daly. || Photograph by Eamon Ward
FORTY social housing homes in Clare are to receive free hot water through a pilot project using surplus renewable electricity from the national grid.
Clare County Council has partnered with EnergyCloud and FuturEnergy Ireland on the initiative, which will see smart devices installed in homes managed by the council in Broadford and Scariff.
The homes are located close to the Carrownagowan Wind Farm site.
The EnergyCloud devices will activate immersion heaters when excess renewable electricity is available on the national grid, allowing participating households to heat a tank of hot water without paying for the electricity used.
EnergyCloud says surplus renewable energy is available on average one in three nights, meaning participating homes can receive a free tank of hot water on those occasions.
The project is being funded by FuturEnergy Ireland.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) said the project demonstrated how local government, community organisations and the renewable energy sector could work together to provide practical benefits.
“By using surplus renewable electricity, this pilot programme will help tenants reduce household costs while supporting Ireland’s transition to cleaner energy,” he said.
Clare County Council Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Housing Delivery, Infrastructure Provision and Land Activation Alan Farrell said the initiative aligned with the council’s objective of improving the quality of life for its tenants.
“The potential savings, and access to hot water, can make a meaningful difference for participating households,” he said.
The council said it would monitor the outcome of the pilot with a view to considering a wider rollout across the county.
Delivery Director at FuturEnergy Ireland Mary Lynch said the project would help participating households near Carrownagowan Wind Farm to reduce their energy bills ahead of winter.
EnergyCloud CEO Alan Wyley said the initiative demonstrated how surplus renewable energy could be used to support people experiencing energy poverty.
