© Cromac Mac MahonBy harnessing the power of its historic canals, Galway is generating renewable energy while putting communities at the centre of the energy transition.
TURNING CANALS INTO CLEAN ENERGY ASSETS
Launched by Galway City Council in 2025, WATERWAY reimagines the city's canal network as a source of renewable energy. By integrating compact hydropower systems into existing waterways, the project generates clean electricity while preserving the natural environment. In doing so, it addresses key challenges, including renewable energy adoption, energy poverty, and the need to expand opportunities within the growing green economy.
CONNECTING RENEWABLE ENERGY WITH COMMUNITY ACTION
At the heart of WATERWAY is a Living Lab that brings together residents, students, and local stakeholders to engage directly with the energy transition. The project combines renewable energy generation with education, skills development, and public participation, creating opportunities for people to learn, contribute, and benefit. By turning existing infrastructure into a shared community resource, WATERWAY shows how climate action can be both practical and inclusive.
CREATING A CIRCULAR MODEL FOR LOCAL RESILIENCE
Revenue generated through the project is reinvested into local climate initiatives, public building upgrades, and measures that help address energy poverty. Alongside reducing emissions and supporting Galway's climate goals, WATERWAY enhances public spaces and promotes sustainable tourism. By linking environmental, social, and economic benefits within a single framework, the project offers a replicable model for cities seeking to build long-term resilience through local actions.
