The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in collaboration with Teagasc has launched a new pilot funding scheme to support the adoption of energy efficient technology on dairy farms.

A fund of €250,000 is available for up to 80 to 100 farms under the scheme in 2017 and is targeted at upgrades to existing milking equipment. Grant aid is available for a variable speed drive applied to the vacuum pumps and variable speed milk pumps. Variable speed drive vacuum pumps can result in savings of over 10% on total farm energy costs. Additionally, variable speed milk pumps can reduce total farm energy costs by 5% when used in addition with a plate cooler.

A requirement of the scheme is to measure electricity consumption (for at least one week) before and after installation has been completed, with the fitting of a smart meter a scheme condition.

Grant aid is available at 50% of total costs which includes the technology and installation charges.

Following a letter of offer from SEAI, all installation works must be completed and grant request forms submitted no later than the 20^th of October 2017. Further information including full terms and conditions and application forms are available through the SEAI at info@seai.ie or 01 8082100 or via local Teagasc advisors.

These documents are also available through IMQCS by contacting Marie Cadden at marie.cadden@icos.ie

By Eamonn Farrell

Agri Food Policy Executive