ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Research Spotlight ATU Researcher Dr Ehiaze Ehimen talks to us about his research into energy efficiency and energy poverty in marginalised communities. About Dr Ehiaze Ehimen
Ehiaze is a Senior Research Fellow in Renewable Energy Systems at ATU, Sligo. He graduated with a PhD in Physics (Energy Systems) from the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand in 2010, prior to which he had a European MSc in Environmental Technology and Management from De Montfort University, Leicester, UK. He has worked extensively on a range of renewable energy, environmental technology, waste utilisation and bioprocessing optimisation projects in a variety of research roles and institutions in different European countries. Thanks, Ehiaze for taking the time to talk to us about your work. Could you tell us about your recent research interests? Recently my research interests have focused around “developmental energy systems and efficiency” projects. Prior to receiving the SEAI funded MOBILISE project, I received funding from the Irish Research Council (IRC) COALESCE award for the CEANGAL project, a transnational research collaboration with partners in Malawi, to afford improved renewable energy uptake in SubSaharan African communities. 17 | Issue Fourteen June 2024
Why are you researching energy efficiency and energy poverty in marginalised Irish communities? With the global drive for a low carbon and more sustainable future, there has been increased action focused on implementing energy efficiency measures in Irish households. Emphasis has so far been on schemes targeted at permanent housing structures. Energy efficiency considerations for mobile homes and for people living in such dwellings have unfortunately not been covered in current national schemes and policy. Every community, regardless of background or circumstance, must have access to the tools and knowledge needed to ensure their inclusion in a greener future. That is what informs the MOBILISE (Measures to Improve Energy Efficiency and Ensure a Low Carbon Future for Irish Traveller, Direct Provision and Displaced Communities Living in Mobile Homes) project. Could you tell us more about the MOBILISE project? The project focuses on Irish travellers, a marginalised and often overlooked community, who currently face unique challenges when it comes to housing and participation in energy efficiency and sustainability approaches. Over 2,280 (2022 census) Irish travellers live in mobile homes or temporary housing units, which often lack the energy-efficient features found in traditional housing.
The age of their homes, high energy costs, significant reliance on fossil fuels for heating, and inadequate insulation lead to discomfort and financial strain exacerbating the energy poverty issues already faced by this community. The MOBILISE project looks to address these issues head-on. The research project is not just about finding technical solutions, it is also about empowering communities to take control of their energy usage and reduce their environmental footprint. What are you aiming to achieve with your research? The MOBILISE research primarily aims to devise practical cost-effective solutions to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of old mobile homes, particularly for disadvantaged Irish travellers. At its core, the research seeks to address issues around energy poverty in Irish traveller groups, with populations living in mobile homes usually struggling with high energy costs and inadequate living conditions. By improving energy efficiency in mobile homes, we aim to alleviate this burden. Energy efficiency is not just about reducing costs—it is also about reducing our environmental impact. By minimising energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in mobile homes, the project contributes to broader efforts to combat climate change and build a more sustainable future for all.