Winds of change blowing at clean energy awards

Renewable sectors unite to celebrate driving forces

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

LEADING figures in Ireland's energy sector gathered for the first time for an inaugural awards ceremony.

The Irish Renewable Energy Awards saw the wind and solar sectors come together to honour those driving the country’s clean energy future.

The awards - jointly hosted by Wind Energy Ireland and Solar Ireland - highlighted everything from the first coastal wind farm in Mayo in 1992 to the commissioning of the country’s first large-scale solar farm in Meath in 2021.

It also showcased an industry that supports thousands of jobs, cuts energy bills, reduces carbon emissions and supports Ireland’s energy independence.

The Champion of Renewables Award, sponsored by PwC, was presented posthumously to Dr Eddie O'Connor, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the renewable energy industry.

Roscommon-born engineer and entrepreneur Dr O'Connor was the founder of Airtricity and Mainstream Renewable Power and a tireless advocate for a European supergrid.