Regional Energy Forum
The Regional Authority recognises that a high level of commitment already exists amongst local authorities and other state and regional agencies in the south west to promote sustainable energy.
The regional Energy Forum was therefore formed, to act as a coordinating mechanism to focus on the more strategic aspects of energy sustainability at the regional level.
This is reflected in the forum's mission statement which states:
"The primary objective of the Forum is to produce a Regional Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan- Facilitating a coordinated approach to increased energy efficiency, reduction in the regional dependence on fossil fuels; promoting and wherever possible facilitating a corresponding increase in the production and usage of sustainable energy resource."
The Forum also acts as the regional focal point of interaction and consultation with the Ministerial Task Force on Energy, under the leadership of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
The current members of the Forum are Sustainable Energy Ireland, Udarás na Gaeltachta, the Cork County Energy Agency, the Cork City Energy Agency and the Kerry County Energy Agency.
The Authority has published (Dec 2009) the Regional Bioenergy Plan.
The Plan provides a framework for the development of the bioenergy sector in the region.