Managing Community Benefit Funds

SECAD’s expertise in managing Community Benefit Funds

Since 2015, SECAD Partnership CLG has managed Community Benefit Funds, beginning with the ESB Wind Farm Community Funds. Since then, our role has expanded significantly and we now work with more than 12 renewable energy companies, overseeing Community Benefit Funds for over 50 sites across the island of Ireland.

Today, SECAD partners with a broad range of renewable energy leaders to deliver funds that support local development, environmental initiatives and community wellbeing. We manage Community Benefit Funds on behalf of EirGrid, ESB, Bord na Móna, NTR, Amarenco, EDF Renewables, RWE, Sliabh Bawn Power DAC, Vantage Renewables, Oriel / Parkwind, Statkraft and Allianz, ensuring that communities share in the long-term benefits of Ireland’s transition to clean energy.

• Over 500,000 community members have benefited from projects and initiatives supported by Community Benefit Funds
• More than 1,700 community groups and projects have received support
• Since 2015, over €5 million has been invested in community projects across Ireland

What are Community Benefit Funds:

Community Benefit Funds are made available to provide direct benefits to communities who are closest to a renewable energy site, such as a Wind Farm or Solar Farm.

The Community Benefit Funds (CBFs) are available to support once off expenditure such as the purchase of equipment and building refurbishment work. Support for larger projects on a multi annual basis may also be considered and encouraged.

These funds are in most cases available annually through an application process, and the fund values are proportional to the scale of the energy produced. 

The overall aim of Community Benefit Funds is to leave a positive legacy in the communities near the renewal energy site.

Who is eligible to apply for Community Benefit Funds

Community groups, Not for Profit Organisations and Charity groups are welcome to apply to the funds for large- or small-scale projects.  Projects which are located closest to the sites are prioritised or where a project has a direct benefit to the community closest to the sites.

Community Benefit Funds managed by SECAD

EirGrid is Ireland’s state-owned Transmission System Operator, responsible for developing, managing and operating the national electricity grid and enabling Ireland’s transition to a renewable, low-carbon energy system.

SECAD administers funds associated with major EirGrid infrastructure projects, supporting local communities near new grid developments through social, environmental and community initiatives.

Read more:

• Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund
• North Connacht Project Community Benefit Fund

ESB is Ireland’s national energy utility and a leading developer of renewable energy technologies. Its activities span electricity generation, supply and innovation, with a strong focus on expanding Ireland’s wind and solar energy capacity.

SECAD manages a wide range of ESB funds across Ireland, supporting communities located near operational and emerging renewable energy projects, and contributing to long-term local development and sustainability.

Read more:

• ESB Wind and Solar Community Benefit Funds
• Windfarm Community Funds in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

NTR specialises in the development and operation of wind and solar assets across Ireland and Northern Ireland, contributing to increased clean-energy generation.

SECAD oversees funds linked to NTR renewable projects in multiple counties, supporting environmental actions, community facilities and local development initiatives.

Read more: NTR Wind Farm Community Benefit Funds

Amarenco is a solar energy developer focused on delivering, owning and operating large-scale solar farms across Ireland and Europe.

SECAD manages funds for Amarenco’s solar developments, enabling communities near these sites to access support for sustainability projects and community-led initiatives.

Read more: Amarenco Community Benefit Funds

EDF Renewables, part of the global EDF energy group, develops renewable energy projects including solar and wind farms across Ireland.

SECAD administers funds associated with EDF’s solar projects, helping neighbouring communities access support for social, environmental and local development work.

Read more: EDF Renewables Community Benefit Funds

ESB and Bord na Móna collaborate on renewable energy developments that combine ESB’s national energy expertise with Bord na Móna’s land and project-development capabilities.

SECAD manages funds associated with their joint renewable energy projects, ensuring meaningful and lasting benefits for surrounding communities.

Read more:

• Oweninny Wind Farm CBF
• Timahoe North Solar Farm CBF 

RWE is an international energy company and a major developer of renewable energy including wind, solar and energy-storage projects.

SECAD administers funds linked to RWE projects in Ireland, supporting local initiatives, community wellbeing and sustainability efforts.

Read more: RWE Community Benefit Funds

Sliabh Bawn Power DAC develops and operates renewable energy assets in Ireland, primarily focused on onshore wind.

SECAD manages the fund associated with Sliabh Bawn’s renewable operations, supporting community enhancement and environmental projects in the local area.

Read more: Sliabh Bawn Power Community Benefit Funds

Vantage Renewables develops solar energy projects that contribute to Ireland’s growing clean-electricity supply.

SECAD oversees funds connected to Vantage solar developments, helping support community projects and local sustainability actions.

Read more: Vantage Renewables Community Benefit Funds

Oriel, in partnership with Parkwind, is engaged in the development of proposed offshore and onshore renewable energy projects in Ireland.

SECAD will administer funds for future Oriel/Parkwind projects, ensuring that local communities benefit as new renewable infrastructure is developed.

Read more: Parkwind Oriel Wind Farm Community Benefit Funds

Statkraft is Europe’s largest renewable energy producer, operating across more than 20 countries and developing wind, solar, hydro and energy-storage projects.

SECAD manages funds for Statkraft renewable projects, supporting communities located near new energy developments.

Read more: Statkraft Community Benefit Funds