Infrastructure and capital take focus as industry leaders gather to accelerate delivery of a 7.5GW renewable energy pipeline<\/p>\n
BnM<\/a> (Bord na Mona), is positioning itself at the centre of Ireland\u2019s energy transition with a \u20ac3bn investment plan for the next decade.<\/p>\n Senior leaders from across Ireland\u2019s energy, infrastructure and investment landscape gathered in Tullamore this week (14 May) for the BnM Energy Conference, where the focus firmly centred on one question: how to turn the country\u2019s renewable ambitions into tangible delivery.<\/p>\n \u201cAt BnM, we are developing one of the most significant renewable energy pipelines in the country\u201d<\/p>\n Hosted at the Tullamore Court Hotel, the annual event drew policymakers, investors and industry executives to discuss the infrastructure and capital required to support Ireland\u2019s evolving energy system. Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O\u2019Brien, TD, addressed attendees, alongside senior figures from organisations including EirGrid, IDA Ireland, AWS and KPMG.<\/p>\n The conference also served as a platform for BnM to underline its own strategic ambitions. The semi-state is targeting the delivery of a 7.5GW renewable energy portfolio and has committed to investing \u20ac3 billion over the next decade to support that pipeline.<\/p>\n Scale of the challenge<\/p>\n Tom Donnellan, Chief Executive of BnM, said the scale of the challenge now facing the sector is not about setting targets but executing against them.<\/p>\n \u201cThe BnM Energy Conference is an important forum for bringing together the voices, experience and ambition needed to help secure Ireland\u2019s renewable energy future,\u201d he said. \u201cThis year\u2019s theme reflects both the opportunity ahead and the need for practical delivery, strong partnerships and long-term planning.\u201d<\/p>\n Discussions throughout the day pointed to a shared view across the sector that infrastructure remains one of the most pressing constraints on progress. A panel chaired by Wind Energy Ireland chief Noel Cunniffe brought together representatives from BnM, EirGrid, National Broadband Ireland and Uisce \u00c9ireann, along with Dublin Port, to examine how project timelines can be accelerated.<\/p>\n Speakers highlighted the importance of moving beyond policy commitments towards execution, with particular attention given to grid capacity, planning processes and coordination across sectors.<\/p>\n Sustainable investment<\/p>\n A second panel, chaired by Scale Ireland\u2019s Martina Fitzgerald, focused on the role energy plays in attracting and sustaining investment in the Irish economy. Contributions from IDA Ireland, AWS, KPMG and BnM emphasised the link between reliable, sustainable energy supply and Ireland\u2019s competitiveness as a location for international business.<\/p>\n Participants also explored the broader economic impact of energy infrastructure, including job creation, regional development and long-term industrial growth. There was a clear emphasis on ensuring that energy policy supports not only decarbonisation goals but also economic resilience.<\/p>\n Donnellan outlined BnM\u2019s approach to addressing these challenges through its Energy Parks model, which aims to co-locate renewable generation, storage and low-to-zero carbon infrastructure alongside large energy users. He said this approach can help support security of supply while improving efficiency and reducing costs.<\/p>\n \u201cAt BnM, we are developing one of the most significant renewable energy pipelines in the country,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are also focused on building solutions to some of Ireland\u2019s most pressing energy challenges and supporting large energy users through integrated infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n Minister O\u2019Brien told the conference that collaboration between government, industry and investors will be critical in delivering Ireland\u2019s energy transition.<\/p>\n \u201cIreland\u2019s energy transition depends on the infrastructure, investment and innovation required to turn ambition into delivery,\u201d he said. \u201cBnM is playing a central role in that transition through renewable electricity generation and by supporting the partnerships needed to build a more secure and resilient system.\u201d<\/p>\n He added that BnM\u2019s national footprint and commercial model position it to deliver projects that create long-term economic value and support communities across the country.<\/p>\n Alongside the policy and investment discussions, the conference also featured a showcase of companies involved in the 2026 Accelerate Green programme. The initiative highlights emerging Irish businesses working on climate and energy solutions, reflecting the growing role of enterprise in the transition to a low-carbon economy.<\/p>\n The event also marked the launch of BnM\u2019s new brand platform, \u201cWhere Progress Gets Its Power,\u201d designed to reflect the organisation\u2019s evolving role in Ireland\u2019s energy system. The platform is intended to position the company not only as a renewable energy developer but as a broader delivery partner supporting infrastructure, investment and economic development.<\/p>\n The tone of the conference reflected a sector moving into a new phase. While Ireland\u2019s renewable targets remain ambitious, the discussion in Tullamore pointed to a growing focus on execution, coordination and the practical realities of delivery.<\/p>\n Top image: Brendan Lenihan, Chair of BnM, Darragh O\u2019Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport and Tom Donnellan, Chief Executive of BnM photographed at the BnM Energy Conference<\/p>\n Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day \u2013 funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more,\u00a0click here<\/a><\/p>\n For support in challenging times,\u00a0click here<\/a><\/p>\n Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. All episodes are\u00a0here<\/a>. You can also listen to the Podcast on:<\/p>\n