- Minister Darragh O’Brien addresses key BnM stakeholders and industry leaders at flagship energy conference focused on Ireland’s renewable energy security, investment and economic competitiveness
- Conference spotlighted BnM’s role in delivering the infrastructure behind Ireland’s energy transition
- BnM to accelerate delivery of 7.5GW renewable energy portfolio through €3bn investment over the next decade
The BnM Energy Conference, which took place on Thursday, 14 May at the Tullamore Court Hotel, brought together senior leaders from across Ireland’s energy, infrastructure and investment sectors for a day of keynote contributions, panel discussions and networking.
The BnM Energy Conference provides an important space for industry, policy and innovation leaders to connect as Ireland advances towards a more secure, resilient and low-carbon energy future.
This year’s conference theme, Infrastructure and Investment, reflects the shared focus on building the systems and capital pathways needed to deliver Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions. As BnM advances towards an increased ambition of 7.5GW of renewable generation capacity and is investing €3bn over the next decade, 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.
The conference also featured two panel discussions with senior leaders. Noel Cunniffe of Wind Energy Ireland chaired a panel 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.
Martina Fitzgerald of Scale Ireland chaired the second panel 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. Gerard Reid, Strategic Advisor and Financier, delivered the closing address.
As in previous years, a feature of this year’s event was a showcase of companies participating in the 2026 BnM Accelerate Green programme, highlighting some of Ireland’s rising leaders in energy solutions and climate action.
Commenting at the conference, Tom Donnellan, Chief Executive of BnM, said:
“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. 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. It was also particularly encouraging to once again showcase participants from our Accelerate Green programme, whose innovation and leadership reflect the strength of Ireland’s growing green economy and the role enterprise will play in the transition to net zero.”
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.
Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport, said:
“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. 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.”
