Irish awards honour renewables pioneers

Wind Energy Ireland and Solar Ireland hosted the inaugural Irish Renewable Energy Awards to celebrate people and projects driving Ireland’s clean energy future according to the organisers.

The organisers said the event marked the first time Ireland’s wind and solar sectors have joined to recognise achievements across the industry.

The Champion of Renewables Award was presented posthumously to Dr Eddie O’Connor in recognition of his contribution to the industry.

The award was accepted by his daughter Lesley O’Connor, who the organisers said is building on his legacy through her new initiative Trifecta Ireland.

“My invitation to you is to join us as a coalition of the willing to continue to honour the legacy of Eddie O’Connor with urgency in your work. To deliver a fossil free future for our children with a super grid to enable a Europe electrified by renewable energy,” said O’Connor.

“He continues to inspire me, he was a preacher and practitioner of the art of the possible,” she added.

The organisers said attendees heard calls for continued collaboration to deliver the skills, infrastructure and planning capacity needed to achieve Ireland’s 2030 climate targets.

Speaking at the ceremony, Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “Tonight marks the beginning of a new chapter in Ireland’s clean energy journey. For the first time, the Irish Renewable Energy Awards bring together pioneers from across the wind, solar and storage sectors to celebrate the people and companies leading the way forward. It’s clear from the people and projects celebrated at the Awards that we have the expertise and ambition to flourish, now we must continue to deliver at scale.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, said: “Solar Ireland is proud to stand alongside Wind Energy Ireland in celebrating the people and organisations driving Ireland’s clean-energy transition. The Irish Renewable Energy Awards shine a light on the innovators, communities and businesses behind the projects – the people turning climate ambition into delivery on the ground.

“This is a hugely exciting time for renewables, as wind, solar and storage reshape our energy system, and recognising that leadership is essential to sustaining momentum for a more secure, affordable and sustainable energy future.”

Among the winners, Energia Group received the Renewable Energy in the Community Award for its Meenadreen Wind Farm outreach programme.

XOCEAN won the Excellence in Renewable Energy Supply Chain Award for offshore innovation.

Patrick Donlon of BNRG Renewables was named Young Industry Person of the Year for his leadership and ambition.

Meanwhile, Gavin Doherty Geosolutions took home the Offshore Wind Champion Award.

List of Winners and Nominees