Donegal County Council has launched a new energy initiative that will deliver free hot water to homes across Donegal.
The innovative project will harness surplus renewable electricity to provide the direct benefits of free hot water for participating households.
The new energy scheme is part of its broader Decarbonising Zone Programme.
Donegal has significant wind energy resources and is perfectly placed to capitalise and maximise on the value provided by renewable electricity.
The Energy Cloud project demonstrates how advanced technology can connect surplus renewable generation with household energy needs, creating a smarter and more efficient use of clean energy.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Lorraine Arbuckle, Climate Action Coordinator for Donegal County Council said the new energy scheme was all about providing real benefits to households across the county.
“This project is about delivering real benefits from renewable energy directly to households. At times when excess renewable electricity is available, the Energy Cloud can redirect that energy to heat water in participating homes, providing free hot water while making better use of electricity that might otherwise go unused.
Having seen its success in counties across Ireland, I am delighted that we have been able to bring Energy Cloud to Donegal,” said Arbuckle.
You may also be interested in
The project will initially focus on recruiting and connecting eligible households within the Decarbonising Zones, Carndonagh and Fál Carrach / Gort a Choirce, as part of Donegal County Council’s Climate Action Plan.
It is expected that it will be rolled out across the wider county.
Alan Wyley, CEO of Energy Cloud, expressed his delight at the introduction of the scheme in Donegal.
“Energy Cloud is delighted to launch our first project in Donegal with the support of Donegal County Council and in Inishowen with Perigus Energy (formerly Orsted). We are already live with the first few homes and look forward to expanding our use of surplus renewable energy, which would otherwise be wasted, to deliver clean, free hot water to homes and families across Donegal.”
How does it work?
Smart devices are installed in homes which automatically respond to signals from the Energy Cloud platform.
When surplus renewable power becomes available, participating immersion systems will switch on and convert this excess electricity into stored hot water.
As well as helping households reduce their energy bills, the initiative will showcase how innovative energy technologies can support a more flexible and efficient electricity network.
Cllr. Gary Doherty, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council highlighted how many families across the county are feeling the pinch of rising energy costs, and welcomed the new energy initiative.
“At a time when many households remain conscious of energy costs, it is encouraging to see new technology being used to put surplus renewable energy to work for local residents. The Energy Cloud initiative will help participating households access free hot water while showcasing Donegal as a leader in energy innovation.”
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts within Donegal’s Decarbonising Zones to trial innovative energy solutions and demonstrate practical approaches to managing the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Donegal County Council is encouraging interested residents to learn more about participation opportunities as the programme rolls out over the coming months and to contact the Climate Action Team in Donegal County Council to find out more.