BnM spotlights infrastructure and investment at Energy Conference

Senior leaders from across the energy, infrastructure and investment sectors gathered in Tullamore on Thursday for the BnM Energy Conference. The event took place at the Tullamore Court Hotel and featured keynote contributions, panel discussions and networking for industry, policy and innovation leaders. The conference had the theme 'Infrastructure and Investment' to reflect a shared focus on building the systems and capital pathways needed to deliver Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions. BnM, formerly known as Bord na Mona, is aiming to achieve 7.5GW of renewable generation capacity over the next decade while investing €3bn. The conference explored the critical role of electricity infrastructure in enabling sustainable growth, energy security and affordability, while also addressing the strategic challenges and opportunities shaping Ireland’s future energy system. There were two panel discussions, one chaired by Noel Cunniffe of Wind Energy Ireland and featuring John Reilly of BnM, Errol Close of EirGrid, Grace Kelly of NBI, Jerry Grant of Uisce Éireann and Dublin Port. The panel focused on the importance of accelerating infrastructure delivery in Ireland, the role it plays in supporting economic growth and energy security, and explored what is needed to move away from ambition and policy towards practical delivery. The second panel was chaired by Martina Fitzgerald of Scale Ireland, with Dónal Travers of IDA Ireland, Niamh Gallagher of AWS, Brendan Kelly of BnM and James Delahunt of KPMG, examining energy as a key enabler of Ireland’s future investment, competitiveness and economic growth. Panellists discussed what is needed to unlock further investment and what actions will help build and maintain momentum. The discussion also considered investment beyond capital alone, and explored how energy can support jobs, regional development, future industries and Ireland’s long term energy independence. Strategic advisor and financier Gerard Reid delivered the closing address. “The BnM Energy Conference is an important forum for bringing together the voices, experience and ambition needed to help secure Ireland’s renewable energy future," said Tom Donnellan, chief executive of BnM. "This year’s theme of Infrastructure and Investment reflects not only the scale of the opportunity ahead, but the need for practical delivery, strong partnerships and long-term planning to build the systems Ireland now needs. “At BnM, we are not only developing one of the most significant renewable energy pipelines at 7.5GW, but we are also building solutions to some of Ireland’s most pressing energy challenges. "Through our Energy Parks model under the Large Energy User Action Plan, we can help Government and industry accelerate infrastructure delivery, strengthen energy security, support large energy users, and improve Ireland’s competitiveness by co-locating renewable generation, storage and low-to-zero-carbon infrastructure with demand. “With our unique national footprint, deep experience and long-term investment ambition, BnM is well placed to be a strategic delivery partner in helping Ireland turn energy policy into infrastructure, investment and sustainable economic growth." The conference also marked the launch of BnM’s new brand platform, Where Progress Gets Its Power, which reflects the company’s evolving role as a strategic energy delivery partner for Ireland. Building on the themes of infrastructure, investment and practical delivery explored throughout the day, the platform captures BnM’s ambition to power meaningful progress across climate action, renewable infrastructure and economic development, while continuing to support communities and regional growth. Ireland’s energy transition depends not only on ambition, but on the infrastructure, investment and innovation required to turn that ambition into delivery. The BnM Energy Conference provided an important opportunity to bring together leaders from across industry, government and enterprise to discuss how we can work together to build a cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy future. “BnM is playing a central role in that transition, helping to power Ireland’s renewable future through the development of renewable electricity generation, while also supporting the infrastructure, partnerships and innovation needed to build a more secure, resilient and low-carbon energy system," said Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment Darragh O'Brien. Tom Donnellan CEO of BnM. "As a commercial semi-state with a unique national footprint, BnM is well positioned to help deliver strategic energy development that creates lasting value for Ireland and supports communities across the country. "The inclusion of the 2026 BnM Accelerate Green participants reflects that wider commitment to innovation and enterprise, but also underlines BnM’s broader role as a commercial semi-state delivering strategic energy development, supporting communities and leading in renewable energy, which is critical to Ireland’s future economy.” Photo: (l-r) Brendan Kelly, chair of BnM; Darragh O'Brien and Tom Donnellan. (Pic: Supplied)

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