This conference will facilitate discussion on the role of energy research and policy in achieving Ireland’s long term clean energy goals.

About the conference

SEAI will co-host this full day conference with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE). The theme of the Conference is the Transformation of Ireland’s Electricity Sector.

The conference will be held on Wednesday the 20th of November 2019 in the Alex Hotel, Fenian Street, Dublin 2. The purpose of the conference is to:

  • facilitate discussion on the role of energy research and policy in achieving Ireland’s long term clean energy goals.
  • ensure that energy policy development and implementation is informed by the best scientific advice possible.
  • ensure researchers are aware of current and future energy policy priorities.

In the recently published All-of-Government Climate Action Plan to tackle climate breakdown, a target was included for 70% of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. This particular challenge will be a focal discussion point at the Conference.

Conference agenda

Wednesday 20th November 2019, Alex Hotel (Dublin 2)

TimeActivity
9am

Registration, Tea & Coffee

Morning Chair: Dr Phil Hemmingway (Head, Low Carbon Technologies Dept, SEAI)
9.30am

Welcome & Introduction

Phil Hemmingway (SEAI)

Minister Richard Bruton (DCCAE)
9.50am

Speaker Presentations

  • Eamonn Confrey (DCCAE) - The role of public policy in transformation of
    Ireland's electricity sector

  • Lucy Corcoran (SEAI) - Energy research and innovation for transformation of the electricity sector

  • John Young (SSE Ireland) - Offshore wind enablers and lessons from the UK experience

  • Muireann Lynch (ESRI) - Future proofing policy for electricity expansion from datacentres
11.25am

Panel Discussion:

The role of public sector innovation and policy in transformation of the electricity sector

Chair: Julie O'Neill, SEAI Board Chairperson

Participants:

  • Anne-Marie Clancy, DCCAE

  • Colm De Burca, ESB

  • Sharon Finegan, Department of the Taoiseach

  • Lisa Ryan, University College Dublin
12pm

Lunch & Networking

Afternoon Chair: Martin Finucane (Principle Officer, Strategic Energy Policy Division, DCCAE)
1pm

Speaker Presentations

  • Aoife MacEvilly (CRU) - The role of the regulator in transformation of the electricity sector

  • Robin McCormick (Eirgrid) – TSO Perspective on transformation of Ireland’s electricity sector

  • Paul Deane (UCC, MaREI) – The role of firm generation in the transformation of Ireland’s electricity sector 

  • Ken Cleary (DPER) – Dept. of Public Expenditure & Reform perspective on transformation of the electricity sector
2.35pm

Panel Discussion:

Challenges in the transformation of Ireland’s electricity sector

Chair: Andrew Keane, UCD Energy Institute

Participants:

  • Tony Day, IERC

  • Eleanor Denny, Trinity College Dublin

  • Robin McCormick, Eirgrid

  • Rory Monaghan, National University of Ireland Galway
4pm

Closing Remarks
4.15pm

ERA-Net Smart Energy Systems - Networking & Call Scoping

“Let’s collaborate!” - Scoping for multinational RDD projects on digital transformation of the energy system.

Further details on the ERA-Net SES Website
6pm Conference close
Register for this event

Meet our speakers

Learn more about our guest speakers who will deliver talks at the inaugural National Energy Research and Policy Conference 2019.

Learn more about our speakers