Standing group and committees
SEAI and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment 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:
- Working Party on Renewable Energy Technologies (REWP)
- Working Party on Energy End-Use Technologies (EUWP)
- Working Party on Fossil Energy (WPFF)
- Fusion Power Co-ordinating Committee (FPCC)
- Experts' Group on R&D Priority-Setting and Evaluation (EGRD)
The CERT Representative for Ireland is Kerrie Sheehan (SEAI).
The REWP Representatives for Ireland are Brendan Cahill (SEAI) and Kerrie Sheehan (SEAI).
Kerrie Sheehan
Head of Department, Research, Innovation and Electricity
Kerrie Sheehan
Head of Department, Research, Innovation and Electricity
Kerrie Sheehan is a member of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Senior Leadership Team, and Head of the SEAI Research, Innovation and Electricity 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.
Brendan Cahill
Programme Manager Innovation and International Research
Brendan Cahill
Programme Manager Innovation and International Research
Brendan Cahill is Programme Manager for Innovation and International Research at SEAI. He has over 15 years of experience in the energy sector with previous roles spanning academic research, management of R&D funding programs, public policy, technology development and consultancy. Brendan earned a Ph.D. for his work on ocean energy resource characterization from University College Cork and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct further research at Oregon State University. Brendan previously managed energy efficiency and ocean energy programmes at SEAI and has also led business development activities at two renewable energy startups.
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 Climate, Energy and the Environment).
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 Climate, Energy and the Environment).
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