New Irish Wind Turbine Course Aims to Cut Energy Costs
- Ten participants graduated from a self-build wind turbine training course in Lisnamult, Roscommon, on Sunday, February 9, 2025, as part of a regional effort to reduce energy cost...
- The first program was coordinated by the Galway and Roscommon Education Training Board (GRETB) and Roscommon County Council’s Climate Action Team.
- Participants received instruction in several technical disciplines required for turbine assembly, including basic woodwork, metalwork, and electrical skills.
Ten participants graduated from a self-build wind turbine training course in Lisnamult, Roscommon, on Sunday, February 9, 2025, as part of a regional effort to reduce energy cost uncertainty and improve climate resilience. The program, co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Just Transition Fund, teaches residents to construct domestic wind turbines from scratch using the Hug Piggott turbine design.
Just Transition Fund and GRETB Program Structure
The first program was coordinated by the Galway and Roscommon Education Training Board (GRETB) and Roscommon County Council’s Climate Action Team. The curriculum was delivered over four separate weekends across December 2024 and January 2025 at the GRETB centre in Lisnamult.
Participants received instruction in several technical disciplines required for turbine assembly, including basic woodwork, metalwork, and electrical skills. This wind energy instruction is a component of a more extensive local training scheme that includes courses on the maintenance and repair of electric vehicles (EV), administered via a partnership between GRETB and the local authority.
Local Energy Generation and Climate Resilience
The goal of the initiative is to provide attendees with basic skills for possible roles in the renewable energy industry and increase resilience to the effects of climate change, while assisting local communities in reducing energy cost uncertainty. Barry Tapster, Climate Action Officer with Roscommon County Council, stated that recent disruptions underscored the practical value of local energy generation. Tapster observed that every participant felt the impact of Storm Éowyn, which resulted in broad power outages throughout the region.
Sinead Morgan, Director of Further Education and Training at GRETB, said the rollout highlights the board’s commitment to delivering education that fosters a green, circular, and low-carbon economy.
Future Training Schedule and Funding
The partnership between GRETB and the local authority is scheduled with classes running in partnership with GRETB until the end of March 2026. Those organizing the program verified that the joint partnership will maintain regular training cycles, offering continued chances for residents to safely and economically utilize alternative energy sources.
A subsequent wind turbine course is scheduled to begin in March.