Agenda

9.00

Registration, networking, tea & coffee

9.30

Welcome and opening remarks from the chair

  •  Ivan Yates, Broadcaster and former Minister for Agriculture

9.45

Ministerial Address 

10.00

Panel Discussion

Are we only scratching the surface? - What is the current state of the intersection between the energy and agricultural sectors? 

A discussion on our energy transition journey so far and where both sectors can collaborate to maximise potential to accelerate renewable energy production for our future.

  • Prof. Aoife Foley, Chair in Net Zero Infrastructure at the University of Manchester

  • Barry Caslin, Energy & Rural Development Specialist, Teagasc

  • Noel Cunniffe, CEO, Wind Energy Ireland

  • Paddy Phelan, CEO, South East Energy Agency

10.45

Panel Discussion

Bridging the Gap - How can dialogue grow our renewable energy sector?

As we are committed to reducing emissions by 2030, the agricultural sector is being asked to play a huge part in renewable energy production. How can farmers, landowners and rural communities be encouraged and convinced to invest in this vital transition?

  • Maurice Deasy, Researcher on FLEET Project, Teagasc

  • Catherine Sheridan, Sheridan Advisory Services

  • Michael Hayden, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Maynooth University

  • Mel Gavin, Research Development Coordinator, ATU

11.30

Coffee Break

12.00

Case Study

A Farmer’s Blueprint to deliver clean renewable energy

  • Micheal Quirk, Tillage, Solar and Wind Farmer, Cork

12.20

Panel Discussion

Solving the Energy Riddle - Market Challenges and Growth Opportunities

Examining untapped market opportunities or potential synergies that could further enhance collaboration between the energy and agricultural sectors while delivering for the local community.

  • Moderator: Philip Connolly, Associate Director, KPMG Sustainable Futures

  • Padraig Fleming, Biomethane Programme Manager, Gas Networks Ireland

  • Caroline Hofman, Managing Director, The CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence

  • Graeme Lochhead, Commercial Director, Nephin Renewable Gas

  • Justin Brown, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Power Capital Renewable Energy

1.00

Networking Lunch

2.00

Panel Discussion

The Elephant in the Room - Grid connection and Planning Bottlenecks

Ireland’s target of generating electricity and gas from renewable energy by 2030 is complicated by insufficient electricity grid capacity and planning delays. Who, how and why do we need to accelerate solutions to overcome these obstacles?

  • Rory Mullan, Director and Senior Project Engineer, Mullan Grid Consulting

  • Fionán McCarthy, Senior Development Manager, Lightsource bp

  • Richard Murphy, Head of Energy & Natural Resources, Pinsent Masons, Ireland

  • Eoin Hodge, Chief Engineer, SuperNode Ltd

2.45

Panel Discussion

Best in class - Engagement Best Practices

A look at successful engagement models or initiatives that have effectively bridged the gap between these two industries. A discussion around ESG integration and the beneficial balance between the mutual parties.

  • John Reilly, Head of Renewable Energy, Bord na Móna

  • Paul Clancy, Business Development Manager, Enerpower

  • Noreen Brennan, Postdoctoral Researcher, Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway

  • Declan Meally, Director of Business, Public and Transport sectors, SEAI

3.30

Case Study

The Energy Playbook

Strategies for standardised approaches that streamline collaboration and project implementation. Best practice and strategies on how to address landowner, community and legal concerns.

  • John McGarry, Director, LP3

3.50

Panel Discussion

Reshaping Collaborations: Future Relations, Technology and Policy Advocacy

● What is the long-term vision for the relationship between the energy sector and agricultural / landowners?

● How can innovation drive this collaboration forward?

● How can we shape supportive policies and regulations that will encourage renewable energy adoption?

● What next steps are vital to future-proof our energy solutions?

  • Karol Kissane, Senior Policy Executive Farm Business and Renewables, IFA

  • Sean Finan, CEO, IRBEA

  • James Dineen, Portfolio Development Manager at Ørsted, Ireland and UK Onshore

  • Redmond McEvoy, Assistant Principal Officer with Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

4.30

Close