SEAI and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications represent Ireland on IEA Standing Groups and Committees. In addition to the Governing Board, the IEA has several Standing Committees that are made up of member country government officials.

Committee on Energy Research & Technology (CERT)

The CERT co-ordinates and promotes the development, demonstration and deployment of technologies to meet challenges in the energy sector. The CERT has established five working parties:

  1. Working Party on Renewable Energy Technologies (REWP)
  2. Working Party on Energy End-Use Technologies (EUWP)
  3. Working Party on Fossil Energy (WPFF)
  4. Fusion Power Co-ordinating Committee (FPCC)
  5. Experts' Group on R&D Priority-Setting and Evaluation (EGRD) 

The CERT and REWP Representative for Ireland is Kerrie Sheehan (SEAI).

Kerrie Sheehan

Head of Department, Research & Technology

Kerrie Sheehan is a member of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Senior Leadership Team, and Head of the SEAI Research & Technology Department. She is responsible for a range of research funding and coordination, and technology innovation activities (offshore, electricity/grid, heat) in support of SEAI’s vision for Ireland’s energy to be sustainable, secure, affordable and clean. Kerrie is Ireland’s representative on the following:

  • Europe’s Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SETPlan) Steering Group
  • International Energy Agency’s Committee on Energy Research & Technology (CERT)
  • Technology Delegate to the UNFCCC
  • EU Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Programme Committee
  • EU Atlantic Strategy Pillar lead for Marine Renewable Energy

Prior to starting with SEAI in 2017, Kerrie gained significant experience in the management of multi-million EU and national funded research grants, with over 12 years working in various roles at University College Dublin, covering programmatic development, senior management, finance and governance. She holds a BA in Mathematics and Geography, a Master’s in Environmental Public Policy and is an FCCA accountant.

Other Committees

IEA Structure

The IEA is an autonomous inter-governmental organisation within the OECD framework, headed by its Executive Director. Learn more about the IEA structure.

IEA structure