b'Sustainable Energy Communities Group.Over the past number of years, the council has The project was completed through the SEAIdeveloped an extensive portfolio in mitigation relatedCommunity Grants Scheme and was 30% funded. works and will endeavour to build on this activity, in addition to developing new and innovative policies toThe PV panels cause no emissions to air, soil orpromote activity within the county. water and their construction is 100% reversible after the lifetime of the project. The Solar Photovoltaic Through the Energy Management Team, a number ofpanels went live in early 2019 and will reduce Kildare projects and community initiatives have been County Councils consumption of non-renewabledeveloped in order to reduce the dependency on fossilenergy helping to meet its energy reduction targets.fuel energy generation across the county, including: Mitigation in ActionEnergy management schemes, includingSustainable Energy Communitiesprovision of LED lighting in public libraries,In September 2018 the first workshop for Sustainable such as Maynooth and Leixlip.Energy Communities within County Kildare wasEnergy management schemes in public sportshosted in ras Chill Dara in Naas. A sustainablecentres such as K Leisure in Athy and Naas. Energy Community (SEC) is a community in whichThe construction of solar photovoltaic banks oneveryone works together to develop a sustainablethe roof of Aras Chill Dara. energy system. They aim to be as energy efficient as Working with local community groups to expandpossible, to use renewable energy where feasible and the number of Sustainable Energy Communities in to develop decentralised energy supplies. Thecollaboration the Sustainable Energy Authoritysustainable energy community can include all the of Ireland. different energy users including homes, community centres, sports clubs, businesses and churches.Mitigation in ActionSolar Photovoltaic Installation at ras Chill Dara The workshop was organised by Kildare CountyIn 2018 Kildare County Council completed a Solar Council in conjunction with the Sustainable Energy Photovoltaic (PV) installation on the roof of ras ChillAuthority of Ireland (SEAI) who provide mentorship Dara in Naas to increase its utilisation of renewableand expertise. The event was attended by sevenenergy. The installation consisted of 272 PV panelsdifferent SECs from all around the County, five of and will generate over 60,000kWhs of electricity whom are currently progressing, with support from per year for the next 25 years.Kildare the Council, to partner with SEAI.1620'