Nerea Martínez de Antoñana

Last 14 March, SECURE project (Smarter Energy Communities in Northern and Arctic Regions), funded by Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme 2014-2020, reached its final stage. After 3 years, the project celebrated the closing conference at the Tower Museum hosted by Derry City & Strabane District Council (Northern Ireland), where all the partners had the objective of presenting the achievements and future opportunities.

The first speaker was the lead partner from ERNACT, Catriona Strain, presenting the final results of the project. The Wind Energy Development Manager at SIB, Kevin Hegarthy, explained the energy management strategy and the action plan for Northern Ireland Central Government. Meabh Cormacain from NI-RIG explained the alternative energy policy for Northern Ireland. The electricity grid development theme was introduced by David McDonald from NIE Networks. Eddie McGoldrick from Electric Storage Company said that the regulated asset based approach for utilities has continued, but he also said that is time for a performance based model. The sixth speaker, David Surplus, Director of B9 Energy explained the hydrogen development results in Northern Ireland. The last speaker, Robert Duncan from Mabbett highlighted that internal auditing energy performance and the ISO 50001 effectiveness is planned to ensure progress in maintained.

The results of this closing conference for the SECURE project were very positives. The project outputs and achievements have met the main objectives, while all the partners have shared experienced and knowledge.