Council Council gets Smart over energy

The free event, delivered as part of the ‘Coleraine Smart Energy Programme’ was tailored to suit small/medium sized businesses within the Borough.

It provided advice on how to engage with the renewable energy sector, either through supply chain participation or through securing low cost, localised supply to meet their energy needs.

It also provided a chance to hear about getting involved with the Council action plan to develop a Renewable Energy Microgrid and Energy Storage in the Coleraine region.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster, who attended the launch said: “Up to 40 local businesses will have the potential to benefit from this Smart Grid Business Energy Pilot Programme which has been part funded by Invest NI under the Local Economic Development Measure.

“The LED measure was made available to councils to help them address the particular needs of businesses in their area and it is proving to be a very effective channel of support.

“Coleraine Borough Council has worked hard to develop a programme that encourages businesses to embrace renewable energy technologies and I have every confidence that it will be a success.

“My Department and Invest NI will continue to support these initiatives, as we strive to encourage more companies to invest in emerging renewable energy technologies.”

Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor George Duddy stated, “This event presents an excellent opportunity for local businesses to utilise the funding and contacts available through the Coleraine Smart Energy Programme.

“The programme has been designed to support local businesses in the Borough, to seek business development growth and to embrace Renewable Energy technology.

Local businesses who attended the seminar had the opportunity of hear from a range of energy experts.