What Is the Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme in Ireland?

The LEO Energy Efficiency Grant enables small businesses to purchase and install equipment that enhances operational energy performance. The primary objective involves reducing a company's environmental footprint, which produces cost savings and improved stability.

Businesses typically must complete a Green for Micro or GreenStart report, or an SEAI energy audit before qualifying.

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Who Can Apply for the LEO Energy Efficiency Grant?

  • Small enterprise (1–50 employees)
  • Own or lease premises (minimum 12 months remaining)
  • Registered, operating business within LEO service area
  • Trading minimum 6 months with annual turnover exceeding €30,000
  • Not an existing Enterprise Ireland or IDA client
  • Completed Green for Micro, GreenStart, or SEAI energy audit
  • Ineligible sectors: primary agriculture, fisheries, coal, steel

What Is the Green for Micro Report?

A free two-day consultancy service providing:

  1. Sustainability audit assessment
  2. Opportunity identification for cost reduction
  3. Tailored action plan with recommendations

What Can the Energy Efficiency Grant Be Used For?

Eligible investments include:

  • Equipment upgrades (machinery over 5 years old)
  • Smart energy controls and meters
  • Heat recovery systems
  • LED lighting upgrades
  • Heat pumps (air, water, ground source)
  • Small wind turbines/hydro generators
  • Food waste and water management systems
  • Sustainable packaging equipment

What Is Not Covered?

  • Building energy upgrades
  • Fossil fuel equipment
  • Solar panels (separate SEAI scheme available)
  • Insulation as a standalone measure
  • Mobile assets (electric vehicles, forklifts)
  • Consultancy and training fees
  • Biomass/biogas boilers

How Do I Apply for the Energy Efficiency Grant?

The grant covers up to 75% of eligible costs to a maximum of €10,000.

  1. Contact your Local Enterprise Office
  2. Complete Green for Micro report (if needed)
  3. Submit application with costs breakdown
  4. Await LEO approval
  5. Conduct work using SEAI-registered contractor
  6. Submit completion claim with invoices

Contact Information

Contact Information comparison table
Contact Details
Local Enterprise Offices 31 locations across Ireland
SEAI Phone 01 808 2100
SEAI Email [email protected]
SEAI Website www.seai.ie

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This is a free call from Ireland. Selectra agents can assist you with comparing and switching energy providers on weekdays between 9 am and 5.30 pm.

Are There Other Schemes Available?

Other financial schemes that may help with energy costs include:

Frequently Asked Questions About the LEO Energy Efficiency Grant

The grant covers up to 75% of eligible costs to a maximum of €10,000. This can be used for equipment upgrades, smart energy controls, LED lighting, heat pumps, and other energy-saving investments.
Small enterprises with 1 to 50 employees that have been trading for at least 6 months with annual turnover exceeding €30,000 can apply. Applicants must own or lease their premises and have completed a Green for Micro, GreenStart, or SEAI energy audit.
No. Solar panels are not covered under the LEO Energy Efficiency Grant. However, a separate SEAI solar panel grant scheme is available for solar installations.
Green for Micro is a free two-day consultancy service that provides a sustainability audit, identifies cost reduction opportunities, and delivers a tailored action plan with recommendations. It is often required before applying for the Energy Efficiency Grant.
Contact your Local Enterprise Office, complete the Green for Micro report if needed, submit your application with a cost breakdown, await LEO approval, then conduct the work using an SEAI-registered contractor and submit your completion claim with invoices.