Green Energy Limerick

It takes true collaboration to make change. When it comes to sustainability and green energy, Limerick sets the pace. A full range of bodies, from Limerick City and County Council, our research-led universities and the Regional Enterprise Plan, to Shannon Foynes Port Company, Limerick Chamber, large employers and other key stakeholders work together to realise opportunities for the region and – equally important – for investors.

Wind Farm. Photo: Nicholas Doherty | Unsplash

Two key projects stand out.

The Shannon Estuary. Limerick has been generating green energy for nearly a century through hydroelectricity, making us a national and international leader in sustainability.

Building on substantial investment in land based wind turbines and solar technology, today we’re on the point of making the Shannon Estuary a supply chain and logistics hub for floating offshore wind power by exploiting some of the world’s most consistent wind resources off our west coast.

It’s an opportunity that, overall, could be worth €12 billion by 2050 – a key milestone for net-zero carbon – and create up to 30,000 jobs.

Shannon Foynes Port Company has already taken the first step to make the most of the estuary’s deep sheltered waters, vital for construction of floating platforms. They have invested €28 million in jetty infrastructure and a port logistics hub, due for completion in 2024.

Smart positive city energy. Limerick has been selected as one of only two Lighthouse Smart Cities and secured European funding to show EU cities how to use less energy than they make.

Backed by the biggest EU Research and Innovation Funding programme, Horizon 2020, Limerick develop a new ‘community grid’, the use of smart meters, innovation in new energy sources (including hydrokinetic) and storage, digital tools and citizen participation.

Among other activities, Limerick will demonstrate how it can transform a city-centre district (the Georgian Innovation neighbourhood) into a positive energy zone.

The future for Limerick is bright and the future for Limerick is green!