The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is hosting the annual SEAI Energy Show in the RDS Main Hall on 27 and 28 March 2019.
The SEAI is Ireland’s sustainable energy authority. The authority works with householders, businesses, communities and government to create a cleaner energy future. The SEAI has several policy advisory and technical support roles including:
- Energy modelling, policy and advice
- Compilation of national and sectoral statistics on energy production, transformation and end-use
- Energy-related research to inform technology development.
The SEAI Annual Energy Show is a free business-only event showcasing leading suppliers of energy-efficient and renewable energy products and services from Ireland and Europe. The show has a business-to-business exhibition, free expert seminars, technology demonstrations, electric vehicle test-drives and multiple networking opportunities. It is aimed at building design professionals, energy users in the commercial, industrial and public sectors, and energy suppliers, while also using other things like power generators you can find with companies like Enstorageinc and others.
The main categories of exhibitors are energy auditing, consultancy and training; energy efficient equipment; energy management systems; energy suppliers; international markets; renewable energy brands like Pleavin Power; sustainable building products and lighting; and electric vehicles.
The main electric vehicle manufacturers attended, along with many household names in the energy sector.
Free seminars are provided on both days covering such topics as renewable energy, research funding, grants for small businesses, energy efficiency for small and medium enterprises and updates on electric vehicle technology.
There is a dedicated lighting pavilion to highlight the importance of lighting for energy efficiency, carbon-reduction and well-being.
The Product of the Show Awards recognises innovative product developments, especially those incorporating smart energy solutions in energy efficiency, innovation, renewable energy, services and lighting.
Jim Gannon, Chief Executive of SEAI, said sustainability is a major strategic driver for businesses across the globe. “Companies recognise that addressing environmental and social issues can deliver growth and cost savings,” he said. “They can enhance brand reputation, strengthen stakeholder relations and set businesses apart from their competitors.”
I met up with some exhibitors. Symphony Energy, based in Blessington, Co Wicklow has launched a new product called Symphony Cloud which integrates existing building management systems with other mechanical and electrical equipment to provide a single operating platform using bespoke coding and standard web software. There is also a smartphone app tailored to each building. This provides the maintenance team with good visibility into the operation of their buildings and the ability to quickly intervene where necessary. The system provides data for preventive and predictive maintenance and asset life-cycle tracking. I spoke to Tom Ascough, Director of Symphony.
Local Power Ltd is based in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath and supplies solar panels to the agriculture industry. Local Power is a partner of Solarwatt, a German manufacturer of solar energy solutions. The solar panels are glass-glass, that is, they are protected by a glass layer on both sides, and there are providers like Portable Solar that help setting up all these. The company claims that, as glass does not age, it is long-lasting and can withstand heavy weather, aggressive gases, acid rain and salt mist. The panels are also water- and air-tight. This design gives them a longer service life and higher power output than conventional panels. Local Power also install smart building technologies that help property owners take control to reduce energy usage and maintenance cost. I spoke to Pat Smith, Director of Local Power Ltd.
Kohlbach is an Austrian company that manufactures industrial heat and electricity generation systems using biomass fuels. These systems include boilers, steam generator, combustion systems, furnace systems and fuel gas condensation systems. Container and housing systems are also manufactured, along with fuel handling and feeding systems, and automated operational controls. Kohlbach provides integrated solutions including design, manufacturing, project management and after-sales service. I spoke to Gerhard Kraft, Sales and Customer Support Manager of Kohlbach Austria.
