Pilot project to bring free hot water to Mayo households with surplus renewable energy
Nearly €12,000 have been allocated to install smart devices in up to 40 homes in Ballina, using surplus renewable electricity to provide free hot water
Mayo County Council has teamed up with Irish charity EnergyCloud to launch a pilot project aimed at tackling energy poverty by using surplus renewable electricity from wind farms to provide free hot water to local authority tenants.
The council’s Housing Section has allocated almost €12,000 to support the installation of EnergyCloud devices in up to 40 local authority homes, with Ballina Municipal District selected as the initial rollout area.
The technology diverts excess renewable electricity to heat water in participating households, helping residents benefit from energy that might otherwise go unused.
The project brings together the local authority and EnergyCloud in a collaborative approach that could potentially be expanded to other parts of Mayo.
Catherine McConnell, Director of Service at Mayo County Council, thanked the EnergyCloud team for its work in developing the initiative.
“Their commitment to pioneering a social enterprise model that successfully combines technology, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion is truly commendable,” she said.
Ms McConnell said the project demonstrated what could be achieved when organisations worked together towards a shared goal.
“The success of this initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared purpose. I look forward to seeing the positive benefits this project will bring to participating households,” she added.
Alan Wyley, chief executive of EnergyCloud, said the organisation was delighted to work with Mayo County Council on the project, which is now operational in Ballina.
“By providing free hot water to residents, we are demonstrating how waste in the energy system can be harnessed to directly assist those experiencing energy poverty,” he said.
Mr Wyley said EnergyCloud hoped the initiative could eventually be rolled out across the county.
The pilot highlights the potential for local authorities, charities and the energy sector to work together to address energy poverty while making better use of Ireland’s renewable energy resources.
The results of the initial rollout in Ballina could help inform the development of similar initiatives elsewhere in Mayo, combining environmental sustainability with practical support for households facing energy costs.