Sherkin

Sherkin Island, Ireland, is located southwest of County Cork - together with the islands of Roaringwater Bay. The island is interconnected to the neighbouring island of Cape Clear. Sherkin's ultimate aim is to achieve a 100% RES goal by developing its microgrid and exploring options for transitioning the island's ferries to green, sustainable alternatives, which are essential given the island's reliance on ferry transport. 

Sherkin Island Development Society (SIDS) is a versatile local development company committed to community welfare and sustainable development. As such it has been working with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to develop an Energy Master Plan for Sherkin Island. This plan is crucial for the promotion of energy efficiency, the adoption of renewable energy sources, and sustainable practices, contributing to both environmental conservation and long-term energy security on Sherkin Island.

Key findings from the Energy Master Plan provided valuable insights into the island's residential energy needs to inform strategies for energy efficiency and retrofitting. Understanding non-domestic energy usage on the island and addressing the broader energy consumption patterns that encompass businesses and infrastructure is now required to complete the Energy Master Plan. Sherkin Island will also work with the small neighbouring islands of Heir and Long to bring them along in this decarbonisation 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 Sherkin Island has applied for the 30 for 2030 call jointly with Inishbofin | Clean energy for EU islands (europa.eu) and Bere Island | Clean energy for EU islands (europa.eu)