Infrastructure and capital take focus as industry leaders gather to accelerate delivery of a 7.5GW renewable energy pipeline
BnM (Bord na Mona), is positioning itself at the centre of Ireland’s energy transition with a €3bn investment plan for the next decade.
Senior leaders from across Ireland’s 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’s renewable ambitions into tangible delivery.
“At BnM, we are developing one of the most significant renewable energy pipelines in the country”
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’s evolving energy system. Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien, TD, addressed attendees, alongside senior figures from organisations including EirGrid, IDA Ireland, AWS and KPMG.
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 €3 billion over the next decade to support that pipeline.
Scale of the challenge
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.
“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,” he said. “This year’s theme reflects both the opportunity ahead and the need for practical delivery, strong partnerships and long-term planning.”
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 Éireann, along with Dublin Port, to examine how project timelines can be accelerated.
Speakers highlighted the importance of moving beyond policy commitments towards execution, with particular attention given to grid capacity, planning processes and coordination across sectors.
Sustainable investment
A second panel, chaired by Scale Ireland’s 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’s competitiveness as a location for international business.
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.
Donnellan outlined BnM’s 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.
“At BnM, we are developing one of the most significant renewable energy pipelines in the country,” he said. “We are also focused on building solutions to some of Ireland’s most pressing energy challenges and supporting large energy users through integrated infrastructure.”
Minister O’Brien told the conference that collaboration between government, industry and investors will be critical in delivering Ireland’s energy transition.
“Ireland’s energy transition depends on the infrastructure, investment and innovation required to turn ambition into delivery,” he said. “BnM 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.”
He added that BnM’s national footprint and commercial model position it to deliver projects that create long-term economic value and support communities across the country.
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.
The event also marked the launch of BnM’s new brand platform, “Where Progress Gets Its Power,” designed to reflect the organisation’s evolving role in Ireland’s 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.
The tone of the conference reflected a sector moving into a new phase. While Ireland’s renewable targets remain ambitious, the discussion in Tullamore pointed to a growing focus on execution, coordination and the practical realities of delivery.
Top image: Brendan Lenihan, Chair of BnM, Darragh O’Brien 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
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