Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
43. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if commercial grants are available to assist a business in becoming more energy efficient and environmentally friendly such as upgrading of in-store refrigeration units and installation of solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29950/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a range of supports provided by my Department via the SEAI that can enable businesses to become more energy efficient. This includes the Better Energy Communities and Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) programmes which together were allocated €24 million in funding for 2020.
Other supports provided by my Department via the SEAI that enable businesses to become more energy efficient include:
- SEAI's Energy Academy which is a new online resource that gives businesses free access to high quality energy training.
- The provision of information and advisory services to businesses including briefings, workshops, workplace resources, access to energy auditing services and case studies of best practice.
- The Large Industry Energy Network which accounts for over 20% of Ireland’s energy use and works together to improve energy performance and share experiences.
- Accelerated Capital Allowances which allow businesses to reduce their taxable profits by the full level of expenditure on energy efficient equipment in the year the investment is made.
- The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat financially supports businesses in the adoption of renewable energy for heat including heat pumps and heating systems that use biomass or biogas.
Further information on these supports is available at https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/.
