SEAI Energy Awards 2026: Fivealley community, with 1,650 solar panels on 128 homes, honoured by the energy minister

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) announced the winners of its annual Energy Awards on 4 November. Twelve awards were presented to individuals, businesses, communities and public sector organisations, chosen from 37 finalists and 157 entries, the highest number in the history of the competition.

The figures. According to SEAI, the 2026 entrants collectively saved €25 million in energy costs, with an average reduction in consumption of 20%, and generated enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 183,000 homes.

The community award. The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, presented the Inspirational Sustainable Energy Community Award to Fivealley, in County Offaly, for its "solar meitheal" project, named after the old Irish tradition of neighbours helping each other with big tasks. Over two phases, 128 households installed 1,650 solar panels. The first phase, completed in 2025, covered 57 homes and more than 700 panels, with estimated output of around 270,000 kWh a year and average savings of €1,300 per home, according to state company BnM, which co-funded the project from the community fund of its Derrinlough wind farm; SEAI provided a grant of €2,100 per home.

The other winners. Winners include Boston Scientific Clonmel (large business), the public water utility Uisce Éireann (public sector), PM Group (design and construction) and the University of Galway (research). The Chair's Award for Outstanding Contribution went to Caroline Ashe Brady, Commercial Director of KORE Insulation.

Context. According to Minister O'Brien, Ireland has 1,180 sustainable energy communities, which are "bringing people together" and making society more energy secure. SEAI chief executive William Walsh said this year saw historically high numbers of applicants.

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