Representatives from The Dolmens Climate Action Network attended the Sustainable Energy Communities NI (SEC NI) Conference at the Long Gallery in the Northern Ireland Assembly this week, where communities from across Northern Ireland came together to celebrate the achievements of the SEC NI pilot programme and discuss the future of community-led energy. The conference highlighted how four pilot communities have been supported to tackle rising energy costs, fuel poverty and climate challenges through local energy planning and action.
The Dolmens was represented by Anita Watts and Michael Donnelly, who joined community leaders, policymakers, researchers and energy specialists from across the region to reflect on the progress made over the course of the project.
A key milestone for The Dolmens has been the successful completion of its Community Energy Masterplan. Developed with local stakeholders and energy experts, the Masterplan sets out a long-term roadmap for reducing energy costs, improving energy efficiency, increasing renewable energy generation and strengthening community resilience across the area.
The plan identifies practical opportunities for local renewable energy projects, community ownership models and collaborative approaches that can help residents, businesses and organisations benefit from the energy transition. It also provides a framework for future investment and partnership working, helping to ensure that the community can play an active role in shaping its own energy future.
Conference attendees also viewed a short film showcasing the Dolmens project and the work carried out by local volunteers and partners. The video highlights the community’s journey through the SEC programme, the development of the Energy Masterplan and the ambition to create a more sustainable and resilient future for the area. The video is now available to watch and offers an excellent introduction to the work completed to date and the opportunities that lie ahead.
With the Community Energy Masterplan now complete, the Dolmens is moving from planning to delivery. As a first step, they are seeking ten suitable rooftop or ground-mounted sites across the area that could host solar PV installations as part of a community-owned renewable energy project.
“We are inviting community halls, sports clubs, churches, schools and other community organisations with high daytime electricity use and largely unobstructed roof space to explore becoming project partners.”
The Dolmens will coordinate funding, installation and ongoing operation, providing a straightforward, low-risk opportunity for organisations to reduce their energy costs. In return, partners gain access to lower-cost, more predictable electricity, while any surplus income generated is reinvested into developing additional local energy projects.
By keeping both value and decision-making within the community, this approach can help create a cleaner, fairer and more resilient local energy system for everyone.
While the completion of the Masterplan marks the end of one phase of the project, it also represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter. The Dolmens Climate Action Network looks forward to working with local communities, businesses, public bodies and funding partners to turn the Masterplan’s recommendations into reality and deliver lasting benefits for the region.
Read more on our Community Energy Master Plan