Over the past two years, Renewable Energy Skills has provided training for over 600 plumbers and renewable energy installers, many of these being from Clare. Up until recent weeks, however, installers have been unable to attain national certification.
“All renewable energy system installers that are registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland must undergo FETAC training by 31st March 2008. This upskilling and certification of installers will help boost confidence among consumers in the standard of installations being provided”, indicated Mr. Fergus Blake, a founding member of the Renewable Energy Skills network.
The proprietor of Shamrock Solar Energies Ltd in Ennis continued, “Previously there has been some uncertainty among the public concerning the quality of renewable energy heating installations being provided. This has done little to help develop the sector in Clare. I am now confident, however, that the introduction of national certified training will lead to a notable increase in demand for solar panels, wind turbines, biomass, heat pumps and other micro renewable technologies.”
According to Cllr. Johnny Flynn (pictured left), Chairperson of Renewable Energy Skills Accel Project, “The fresh impetus that has been given to the renewable energy sector, as a result of the newly introduced certification process, will help Clare to cut down on its greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2 and methane. Under the recently adopted Bali conference roadmap, County Clare must reduce its emissions by 80% by 2050, which is a challenge we all must face together.”
“Householders, business owners and local authorities across Clare have, in many respects, led the way in relation to embracing the potential of renewable energy technologies”, stated the Environmentalist, Engineer and Ennis Town Councillor. Mr. Flynn explained, “Clare County Council, for example, has been involved in the development of the Limerick Clare Climate Change Strategy, which recommends the utilisation of renewable energy resources to prevent Clare from exceeding its Kyoto targets. The Clare County Development Board, of which I am a member, also has the objective of developing an indigenous renewable energy industry. Furthermore, there are a large number of private and publicly owned companies and organisations now specialising in promoting the use of renewable energy technologies. This is indicative of the County’s increased energy demand, as well as economic growth and changing values and lifestyles.”
The Ennis training courses will be divided into two modules, namely Solar Thermal and Biomass. The Solar Thermal courses take place on 31st January; 7th, 8th and 26th February; and 3rd and 4th March. The Biomass training events will be held on 18th, 19th and 25th February; and 13th, 14th and 28th March. Meanwhile, training courses on Heat Pumps will be held in Listowel, County Kerry and Montrath, County Laois from late January.
Anyone interested in attending the upcoming Renewable Energy Skills Accel Project training courses should visit www.renewableenergy.ie or email info@renewableenergy.ie. Booking is essential as places are limited.