ROI Minister for Energy Denis Naughten announced the introduction of 95 per cent subsidies for those in energy poverty at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Deep Retrofit Conference today.
The Deep Retrofit Conferenceis the first of its kind in Ireland to look at how to achieve zero energy buildings by 2020 in new builds.
The Minister said almost all of the 1.3 million homes in ROI needed a deep retrofit,with SEAI figures showing the Irish energy retrofit market could be worth over €35 billion to 2050.
Naughten also hinted at the importance of the Internet of Things and the rollout of broadband to rural areas as a key measure to reduce energy use at source.
SEAI chief executive Jim Gannon also commented on the need to inform consumers on the benefits of deep retrofit – from health, comfort and energy savings – highlighting the challenges associated to the €25,000+ investment required for a significant upgrade.
Astrid Madsen
English