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

Standing Group on Long Term Cooperation (SLT)

The SLT encourages co-operation among IEA member countries to ensure collective energy security, improve economic efficiency of their energy sector and promote environmental protection in provision of energy services. The SLT has also established the Working Party on Energy Efficiency.

The SLT Representative for Ireland is Conor McCabe (Principal Officer, International and Offshore Energy, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications).

Standing Group on Emergency Questions (SEQ)

The SEQ is responsible for all aspects of oil emergency preparedness and collective response to supply disruptions.

The SEQ Representative for Ireland is Mr. Michael Goodwin (The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications).

Committee on Budgets & Expenditure (CBE)

The CBE advises the Governing Board on resource management and administration. In particular, it advises the Governing Board on budget matters.

Standing Group on the Oil Market (SOM)

The Standing Group on the Oil Market (SOM) monitors and analyses short- and medium-term developments in the international oil market to help member countries react promptly and effectively market changes.

Standing Group on Global Energy Dialogue (SGD)

The SGD is responsible for work with countries and regions outside of the IEA membership, including China and India. Many SGD projects draw upon both regional and sectoral expertise and are carried out jointly with other IEA divisions.

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