The positive impact of a business energy grant

Thousands of businesses across Ireland are availing of SEAI business supports to cut energy costs, increase competitiveness, and reduce emissions. In the past three years alone SEAI has approved over €175m in grant funding for over 13,000 businesses and helped thousands of SMEs deliver their sustainability goals.  

Since the 2022 energy cost crisis, businesses, large and small, have struggled to stay competitive. I have spoken to many SMEs about the challenges they have faced but two stories in particular stand out. One, a small Dublin hotel, which invested (with SEAI support) in energy efficiency and renewable measures back in 2018. Speaking to the hotel owner during the worst of the energy cost increases, they told me how this was the only hotel in their portfolio that was not losing money at that time. This was a direct result of the sustainability investments made four years previously and this is what set them apart from their competitors at a very difficult time for the industry. 

The second story that stands out for me is a food processing company in the border region. Unfortunately, due to rising energy costs, they went into administration. The new owners are determined to ensure the business is insulated from future energy price shocks and are now working with SEAI and are currently undertaking an EXEED study. These stories tell us that energy is intrinsic to business competitiveness and that investments in efficiency and renewable energy can ensure a business is resilient to another energy crisis. Addressing energy in the enterprise sector not only delivers emissions reductions but can also help to support a thriving, sustainable and resilient economy.

SEAI is rightly known by many people for our home energy upgrade grants, which are delivering significant enhancements in Irish homes through measures such as insulation, heat pumps and solar PV. But a quieter revolution is happening with SEAI Business Supports. In recent years SEAI has made significant enhancements and additions to our grants and other supports to business. As a result, thousands of businesses have embarked on and progressed their sustainable energy journey, reducing energy costs and increasing financial resilience In addition to grant funding, 10,000 businesses have signed up to our Energy Academy, over 1,300 businesses have taken part in our Introduction to Energy Management training and over 4,000 businesses have availed of an energy audit voucher. 

SEAI has responded to business’ needs by enhancing and creating supports that specifically address the barriers that businesses, particularly SMEs, face when accessing advice and funding for sustainability projects. These barriers include time, knowledge, and funding.

How SEAI business supports have addressed the key barriers

• Time: We now offer a full suite of business energy upgrade grants that can be approved within minutes. Our Rapid Approval Grants are easy to access with a 10-minute application and immediate approval for a range of measures. Supports such as the Energy Academy are available on-demand, 24-7, to meet business owner’s needs. 
• Knowledge: We have made capacity building training available via the Energy Academy, Introduction to Energy Management Training, and our Large Industry Energy Network. Access expert advice via the Energy Audit Voucher, and Technical Assistance supports for Design and BMS optimisation.
• Funding: We now offer a wide range of grants including a menu of Rapid Approval Grant measures and Tailored Support Grants for larger investments. 

SEAI business supports at a glance

SEAI Business Grants