Kilkenny Energy Town shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 SEAI Energy Awards
A Kilkenny town has been announced as a finalist in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2026 SEAI Energy Awards, recognising outstanding achievements, innovation and leadership in sustainable energy across 11 categories.
Graignamanagh Energy Town has been nominated for the Sustainable Energy Community category. In 2020, Graignamanagh Energy Town SEC was established to address climate change and protect the outstanding natural beauty of the Barrow Valley.
GET’s goal is to achieve 100% energy self-sufficiency for the area by 2035. Since 2020, GET has undergone three phases of renewable energy transformation which has led to the town becoming central source of energy trading, advice and demonstration with SECs across the country following suit.
The awards celebrate those championing Ireland’s clean energy transition. This year's finalists were selected by an independent panel of expert judges, from a highly competitive field of entries.
They represent some of Ireland's most innovative organisations and individuals, demonstrating exceptional performance, measurable impact and an absolute commitment to advancing sustainable energy practice.
Two new categories introduced this year, Hotels and Tourism Accommodation and Design and Construction, attracted strong interest and a high calibre of entries. Collectively, entrants delivered €25 million in cost savings or an average of 20% reduction, while generating enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 183,000 homes.
“These finalists are exceptional leaders from all across the country, and across all sectors, making a real difference in their communities and organisations,” said William Walsh CEO, SEAI.
“By taking control of their energy costs, they are securing a more sustainable, resilient future for their teams and the work that they do. The results speak for themselves - enough renewable energy generated to power the equivalent of 183,000 homes and an average energy saving of 20% to their organisation, saving millions on energy bills.
“That is a truly remarkable achievement, and I've no doubt they've inspired many more to follow in their footsteps. Congratulations to the Kilkenny finalists, and to everyone who has taken part up to this point - it is always a very competitive process."
Full details on the finalists and their projects can be found at www.seai.ie/energyawards
The winners of the 2026 SEAI Energy Awards will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on 4 November 2026, where leaders from across industry, communities and the public sector will come together to celebrate excellence in sustainable energy.