Bere Island

Bere Island is on the Southwest coast of Ireland in Bantry Bay. It has a population of 190 people and in the summertime, it reaches over 2,000. The main economic activities are farming, fishing, tourism, and the commercial marine industry.

Is Bere Island interconnected to the mainland? 

Bere Island receives most of its energy from the national grid through a subsea cable from the mainland. Some houses already use renewable energy like windmills and PV solar panels to generate electricity. The island is served by two ferries all year round, but many people use their boats as we have a very sheltered harbour. On the island, people use private cars or the community bus. Most houses are heated with oil and coal, while some are now using heat pumps.

The journey to clean energy 

Bere Island has energy group is working with Ireland's sustainable energy authority to produce an energy master plan that will guide the islanders on their journey.

Under the 30 for 2030 call the following activities are planned: 

Community Ownership on Energy Generation, Storage, and Grid (Energy System)

This involves an overview of the type and structure of community ownership, best practices, and lessons learned from real examples, including legal and technical requirements. The setup of PPPs (Public-Private Partnerships) is explored, along with the process of establishing a community ownership structure on the islands, and the purpose of the community-owned energy system. The outcomes include a position to make a decision and set up the structure, an action plan outlining feasible steps, and securing funding to establish the energy community.

Community Engagement

This focuses on fostering community social acceptance and leadership in the energy system transition to decarbonization. It includes conducting webinars and, if possible, in-person workshops.

Energy System for Renewable Energy (RE)

This involves creating an action plan, assessing feasibility, and securing financing for renewable energy, storage, and grid systems. The existing model is reviewed, storage and grid components are incorporated, and recommendations are modified and analysed.

Micro-grid

This entails a technical study and financing scheme for various technologies related to microgrids and storage, developing a cost-benefit model. A pilot project is conducted on one island to provide energy for 5 to 10 houses.

Please note that Bere Island has applied for the 30 for 2030 call jointly with Inishbofin | Clean energy for EU islands (europa.eu) and Sherkin | Clean energy for EU islands (europa.eu)