Irish Renewable Gas Conference 2023

Dr Ciara Beausang is a Research Officer in Anaerobic Digestion with Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority. Her research interests include environmental modelling of biogas production and optimizing biogas yield from agricultural feedstocks. She has a PhD in Biosystems Engineering from University College Dublin.

Nicolas Kuen is Assistant to the Deputy Director-General for Energy at the European Commission, Belgium. He joined the European Commission in 2015 in DG Energy to work on wholesale energy markets and the Clean Energy Package for all Europeans. From 2018, he dealt with policy coordination in the Secretariat-General, in particular on climate and energy policies. In April 2019, he was appointed Assistant to the Deputy Director-General for Energy and has since then been supporting the coordination of Energy Policy, Energy Union and External Policy. Nicolas has a master’s in business engineering and a Master in European Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies from the College of Europe.

Conor Minogue is a senior policy executive in the business group Ibec. Since joining the organisation in 2012, Conor has held several policy roles. He now works with Ibec members to develop and promote the energy and climate policy agenda for Irish business. He also represents the Irish Ports Association. Prior to joining Ibec, Conor worked in the EU Delegation in Washington DC. Conor studied history, political science and international relations at University College Dublin, University of California, Berkeley and Cambridge University. He is the Ibec representative on Business Europe’s Industrial Affairs Committee.

Richard Murphy is a Partner at Pinsent Masons and specialises in energy projects. His energy expertise and experience include advising clients on a range of regulatory, advisory and transactional matters. Richard is rated as a leading individual for energy work in both Chambers UK and the Legal 500. Richard sits on the Northern Ireland Renewables Industry Group Committee (NIRIG) and is a regular speaker at energy industry events and conferences.

Karen Doyle is the Head of Business Development at Gas Networks Ireland and has responsibility for the development of renewable gas and provision of route to market for biomethane and green hydrogen. Karen has worked in the energy sector for over 17 years, having previously been Head of Energy and Infrastructure at Ulster Bank where she structured and delivered a number of landmark projects across the sector, including onshore wind (Ireland & UK), offshore development projects in UK, CCGT, biomass and waste to energy projects together with a number of portfolios of windfarm assets for both utility and fund clients. Energy efficiency and sustainability are keen interests and educating and sharing knowledge with others outside the energy sector to help to monetise opportunities and bring a greater awareness of the benefits of renewable energy to the economy and general society is important to Karen.

Cathal Marley is the Chief Executive Officer of Gas Networks Ireland, the semi-state organisation responsible for operating Ireland’s €2.7 billion, 14,664km national gas network, serving over 720,000 customers nationwide, and focused on delivering on its critical role in energy security while transitioning to transporting renewable gases through its network. He has over 20 years’ experience in the utilities and infrastructure sector, having previously worked in senior roles across the electricity and water industries. Cathal holds an MBA from the Michael Smurfit Business School, UCD, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a Board member of the IMI, a member of the DCU Governing Authority and a Board member of Swim Ireland. His early career was spent with EY in Dublin and Eastern Europe.

James Glynn is an energy researcher for the Environmental Research Institute at University College Cork. James' research interests focus on the feedbacks between the energy system and economy, and researches these dynamics through integrated energy systems models. His most recent publications explore zero carbon energy system pathways for Ireland consistent with the Paris Agreement and the impact of local air pollution on equitable global decarbonisation. He is leading an international research project exploring the role of carbon capture and storage in global Integrated Assessment models.

Samantha is the Head of the CCUS Unit at the International Energy Agency in Paris. Her team provides leading analysis and insights on the development and deployment of carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies. She is a lead author of recent IEA publications including 2017 Energy Technology Perspectives, 20 years of CCS: Accelerating future deployment, and 5 keys to unlock CCS investment. Prior to joining the IEA, Samantha spent five years as the Policy Director of the Australian Coal Association and also held various positions in the Australian Government, working on coal policy, energy market reform and energy security policy.

Russell is a Partner in KPMG Ireland and leads the firm’s corporate finance energy practice across the island of Ireland. He has over 15 years’ experience in energy related corporate finance transactions, including significant experience of developing and fundraising both farm-scale and commercial-scale biogas plants, as well as wider energy generation assets.

Denis O’Sullivan is the Managing Director of Gas Networks Ireland. Previously Head of Commercial with the company, he had responsibility for managing, developing and delivering the business’s commercial growth and innovation strategies with key focus on maximising the utilisation of the gas network and diversifying its use with gas in transport and renewable gas. Prior to this, he worked with Bord Gáis Energy and Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners as Head of Development with responsibility for delivering one of Ireland’s largest wind energy portfolios.

James Glynn is an energy researcher for the Environmental Research Institute at University College Cork. James' research interests focus on the feedbacks between the energy system and economy, and researches these dynamics through integrated energy systems models. His most recent publications explore zero carbon energy system pathways for Ireland consistent with the Paris Agreement and the impact of local air pollution on equitable global decarbonisation. He is leading an international research project exploring the role of carbon capture and storage in global Integrated Assessment models.

Cathal Marley joined Ervia in 2016 and was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer with effect from 5th April 2019. Prior to this role he was Group Chief Financial Officer, and has over 20 years’ experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors including electricity, gas and water. He has worked in a number of senior financial roles within large organisations both in Ireland and Eastern Europe. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and holds an MBA from the UCD Michael Smurfit Business School. Cathal also serves on the Audit Committee of Dublin City University.

Daniel Fitzpatrick is the Commercialisation Manager in Gas Networks Ireland and is responsible the development of Natural and Renewable Gas as a cleaner and more affordable alternative fuel for the heavy commercial and public transport market. Daniel has over 20 years of international experience in developing and introducing innovative products and services in the Gas, Telecoms and Space sectors. Daniel is also a board member of the Natural and bio Gas Vehicle Association of Europe. Daniel holds a Masters in International Business Management from the Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin.

Simon Ludlam is an experienced energy professional, currently CEO at MaresConnect, a 750MW interconnector project linking GB and Ireland. He has originated and led several interconnector projects in northwest Europe, including the €500m Greenlink interconnector and the €600m ElecLink project. Simon is the founder of Etchea Energy, a developer of energy projects supporting the green transition. He previously worked in investment banking and private equity

Stephen Robb is the Renewables Editor at the Irish Farmers Journal. Stephen completed his Food and Agribusiness Management undergraduate degree from UCD in 2015 and completed a Masters in Agricultural Innovation Support, with a focus on bioenergy supply chains, from Teagasc/UCD in 2017. He then joined the Irish Farmers Journal (IFJ) editorial team and over the next five years covered all aspects of the tillage, renewables and agri-innovation sector. In that time, he also led several projects exploring the feasibility of developing a farm-based anaerobic digestion industry in Ireland and virtual gas pipelines. In 2022 he took up the role of Renewables Editor at the IFJ and is also developing the Northwest Community Energy Park project

Energy Ireland
Clifton House
Lower Fitzwilliam Street
Dublin 2, D02 XT91

Tel: +353 (0)1 661 3755
Email: info@energyireland.ie
Twitter: @energyireland

Muireann Lynch is a Research Officer in the Economic Analysis division of the Economic and Social Research Institute. She joined the Institute in 2014. Muireann holds a degree in Mathematics and Economics from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD from the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering in UCD. She has published numerous research articles in diverse areas of energy economics and has co-authored submissions to various public consultations and Government Departments. Muireann is also a Funded Investigator with the Energy Systems Integration Partnership Programme and coordinates emerging research focused on the modelling and integration of electricity, gas, heat and water systems. Muireann’s research interests include electricity market regulation, power system economics and renewable generation integration and her research methodologies include stochastic mathematical programming, optimisation and game theory.

J Owen Lewis chairs the IIEA Working Group on Climate. He is also Emeritus Professor of Architectural Science, UCD Dublin, and Hon Secretary of the Irish Green Building Council. He is a member of the Boards of the National Gallery of Ireland, the Marine Institute, and the Tipperary Energy Agency. Owen is Vice President of the Royal Dublin Society. Owen was previously Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) between 2009 and 2012. He was part-time Executive Director for Innovation and R&D at Bord na Móna between 2006 and 2008. Owen was Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at UCD Dublin and later Principal of the UCD College of Engineering, Mathematical and Physical Sciences. In 1976 Owen cofounded the Solar Energy Society of Ireland.

Dr Andrea Ahern is the Carbon Capture and Storage Development Manager for Ervia. With over fifteen years working in the energy sector, Andrea previously worked as Technical Safety Team Lead on the Corrib Gas Project with responsibility for the Technical Safety of the Facilities and the delivery of key Safety Permits from Government Regulators. Andrea previously worked in research and technical consultancy positions where she played a key role in the commercialisation of a new catalyst product.

Garrett Monaghan is Head of Projects (Ireland) in Pinsent Masons. Garrett specialises in the development, acquisition, disposal and funding of energy and infrastructure assets. Garrett is highly regarded within the Irish energy, projects and project finance sectors.

Dr Per Sandberg is senior advisor in Equinor New Energy Solutions. He leads business development in the Northern Lights project, in which Equinor, Shell and Total together develop an open source transport and storage solution for European CO2. In 2015-16, Sandberg had leave of absence from Statoil to lead the secretariat for the Norwegian government’s expert commission on green competitiveness, which delivered its report to the prime minister in October 2016. Before that he was Statoil’s Chief of Innovation. Per has also been managing director at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), leading and delivering the seminal projects Vision 2050 (2010) and Sustainable Mobility (2004). Sandberg has a MScEng in chemical engineering and a PhD on ethical issues of biotechnology, both from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

Cormac Nevin is Head of Energy Engineering at Veolia Ireland having joined the company in July 2017. His most recent project within the energy sector was to install a 2MWe CHP for large healthcare client in Dublin and development of a bio-gas energy centre for a large waste water treatment facility. Cormac has over 11 years’ experience in the energy industry in Ireland. He previously held energy management and engineering positions within the retail, commercial buildings and industrial utilities industries. He has a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Limerick and has recently completed a Diploma in Business Finance.

Derek O’Connor is the Facilities Engineering and Energy Manager for Bausch + Lomb Ireland having joined the company in November 2003. He has a Master’s Degree in Building Services Engineering and an Honors Degree in Engineering with over twenty years’ experience within the medical devices and pharmaceutical industries. Derek’s most recent achievements within the energy sector was to obtain ISO50001 accreditation and the installation of a 3.3MWe CHP for the site.

Derek O’Connor is the Facilities Engineering and Energy Manager for Bausch + Lomb Ireland having joined the company in November 2003. He has a Master’s Degree in Building Services Engineering and an Honors Degree in Engineering with over twenty years’ experience within the medical devices and pharmaceutical industries. Derek’s most recent achievements within the energy sector was to obtain ISO50001 accreditation and the installation of a 3.3MWe CHP for the site.

Jim Gannon was appointed as a Commissioner at the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in October 2019. His lead responsibilities in the CRU include Electricity and Operations. He was formally Chief Executive of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and previous to that he was Director at RPS Group, leading the Energy, Environment and Health and Safety functions, with a core focus on the energy sector throughout his career.

Declan O’Sullivan is the Programme Delivery Manager for CNG and Renewable Gas within Gas Networks Ireland. Declan has responsibility for managing, developing and delivering the CNG & Renewable Gas pipeline of projects to achieve the business’s commercial growth and innovation strategies, with a key focus on maximising the utilisation of the gas network and diversifying its use with gas in transport and renewable gas. Prior to this, Declan worked with Brookfield Renewable as Head of Project Delivery with responsibility for delivering UK & Irish onshore wind energy portfolios. Declan holds an Engineering Degree and has over 20 years’ experience in development and management roles across the Renewable Energy and Semiconductor sectors.

Dr Ciara Beausang is a Research Officer in Anaerobic Digestion with Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority. Her research interests include environmental modelling of biogas production and optimizing biogas yield from agricultural feedstocks. She has a PhD in Biosystems Engineering from University College Dublin.

Christian Bendrup Faurholt is project manager for the annual report of security of supply in the Danish gas system. Moreover, he is Energinet Associated Activites country leads for projects in India, Vietnam, and Poland where he is managing activities and securing communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders. Christian is a project manager for Energinets Long Term Development Plan for the Danish gas- and electricity systems. Christian holds a degree in international relations and is specialized in the climate diplomacy and the Paris Agreement.

Luis Gay-Tarazona is a Programme Manager for Bioenergy at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. He leads and manages the SEAI Bioenergy research strategy which includes managing the Renewable Heat Bioenergy team and other decarbonization Res-H team members. Luis supports the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications in Ireland (DECC) in the delivery of legislation and policy development by providing evidence based advise and ensures DECC are kept informed of emerging bioenergy trends and technology developments. He is developing SEAI’s Procedure for the Verification of Sustainable (Certified) Biomass Fuels in Ireland.

Philip Hannon is Director of Policy at Liquid Gas Ireland (LGI), the representative body for the LPG and BioLPG sector in Ireland. He leads the Association’s policy advocacy and communication efforts at national and local level, which includes reinforcing the role that lower carbon and renewable gaseous fuels play in Ireland’s decarbonisation journey, particularly for rural consumers and businesses. He has over 25 years’ experience in corporate communications and public affairs. He was a Ministerial Special Advisor in five separate Government Departments, across two administrations. For almost a decade, he was Communications and Public Affairs Manager at the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, the representative body for the international research based pharmaceutical industry in Ireland.

Karen Kavanagh was appointed as the Director of Networks and Economic Regulation for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in February 2022, having previously been Director of Economic Regulation (Water) and Compliance. Karen has over 20 years’ experience in economic regulation across the utilities and telecommunications sectors. She has a BSc. in Applied Science and a PhD. in Physics from the Technological University Dublin. She also holds an MSc. in Economic Policy Studies from Trinity College Dublin and an Advanced Diploma in Quasi-Judicial Decision-Making from King's Inns. Karen leads the division responsible for implementing and enhancing the CRU’s economic regulation of water, gas and electricity networks ensuring that they support customers, underpin economic growth, and play a transformational role in climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Richard Kennedy is CEO of Carbon AMS, a company creating renewable energy using grass grown from soil optimised for sustainability and biodiversity. He won the Irish Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019. Richard, also a farmer, finds purpose leading people to fulfil their potential. He is passionate about innovation through science to benefit farming, food, and society.

Cathal Marley is the Chief Executive Officer of Gas Networks Ireland, the semi-state organisation responsible for operating Ireland’s €2.7 billion, 14,664km national gas network, serving over 720,000 customers nationwide, and focused on delivering on its critical role in energy security while transitioning to transporting renewable gases through its network. He has over 20 years’ experience in the utilities and infrastructure sector, having previously worked in senior roles across the electricity and water industries. Cathal holds an MBA from the Michael Smurfit Business School, UCD, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a Board member of the IMI, a member of the DCU Governing Authority and a Board member of Swim Ireland. His early career was spent with EY in Dublin and Eastern Europe.

Tom O’Brien is Managing Director of Nephin Energy. He has over 20 years’ experience in the energy industry including over 10 years in the Projects & Energy Department of one of Ireland’s leading law firms, focusing on renewable energy, (inc. Ireland’s first on and offshore windfarms) large scale real estate and infrastructure projects. Since then Tom has held senior executive roles at a number of Irish companies, including two Irish Plc’s. Tom was senior adviser and project lead in Ireland for CPPIB's $1.23 billion acquisition of Shell's interest in the Corrib Gas Field. He was subsequently asked by CPPIB to build out and lead the company that would eventually own CPPIB's interest in the field, Nephin Energy. Nephin Energy is now Ireland’s largest domestic producer of natural gas. He holds an LLB from University College Cork, an LLM from University College London and a Diploma in Finance from University College Dublin

Barry Quinlan is the Assistant Secretary at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, leading on Built Environment; Retrofit and Heat Policy where key priorities include: the National Retrofit Programme; the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme; the Energy Efficiency Directive; the Renewable Energy Directive; Public Sector Energy Efficiency; and Renewable Heat Policy. Barry joined the Department in December 2021 from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, where he had led the Affordable Housing and Local Government Divisions. Prior to that Barry worked in the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Justice. Barry is a graduate of University College Dublin.

Stephen Robb is the Renewables Editor at the Irish Farmers Journal. Stephen completed his Food and Agribusiness Management undergraduate degree from UCD in 2015 and completed a Masters in Agricultural Innovation Support, with a focus on bioenergy supply chains, from Teagasc/UCD in 2017. He then joined the Irish Farmers Journal (IFJ) editorial team and over the next five years covered all aspects of the tillage, renewables and agri-innovation sector. In that time, he also led several projects exploring the feasibility of developing a farm-based anaerobic digestion industry in Ireland and virtual gas pipelines. In 2022 he took up the role of Renewables Editor at the IFJ and is also developing the Northwest Community Energy Park project.

Kamila Waciega is Director for Energy & Infrastructure Policy at Hydrogen Europe. Previously she was in charge of access to public funds and energy and climate policy for Dalkia Central Europe Department between 2010 and 2014. Before joining Hydrogen Europa Kamila was part of Veolia’s Public Affairs Department, where she acted as Director in charge of energy and climate issues. She graduated from Sciences Po Paris and London School of Economics and holds a PhD in Political Sciences, applied to decarbonisation policies in European regions.

Charlotte Morton is the Chief Executive for the World Biogas Association. A practising lawyer for 10 years, Charlotte studied for her MBA at London Business School before setting up a car club business. Asked to establish the business side of ADBA in 2009, she saw the potential of an industry that can deliver huge potential and value to the UK. Given the even bigger global potential, which must be achieved if the Paris Climate Change targets and UN Sustainable Development Goals are to be met, Charlotte played a pivotal role in establishing the World Biogas Association in 2016 to promote and increase the rate of uptake of biogas globally. Charlotte was awarded an OBE in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to the biogas industry.

Seán Finan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA). He is a Chartered Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons) Degree from National University of Ireland, Galway. Seán is leading IrBEA and its members for a sustainable future in bioenergy and to strategically position the Biomass, Biogas, Biofuels, Biochar, Wood fuels and Energy crop sectors to play a key role in Ireland’s Sustainability & Renewable Energy Roadmap.

Oonagh O’Grady is Director of Power to X at SSE, a leading developer, owner and operator of renewable and low carbon electricity generation and a FTSE-listed plc. Oonagh leads SSE’s Power-to X-function, with a key focus on Green Hydrogen to accelerate the transition to net zero and provide a new route to market for renewable generation. Oonagh has 15 years’ experience in the energy and infrastructure industry in the UK and Ireland, having held a variety of roles in SSE, EirGrid and AECOM. Oonagh is a graduate of Civil and Environmental Engineering from UCC, with an MSc in Construction Law from King’s College London, and an MBA from the UCD Smurfit Business School.

Biljana Kulisic has over 20 years of experience in concerted policy and assessing socio-economic aspects of bioenergy. In the last years, Biljana was leading the BIOEAST Thematic Working Group Bioenergy and New Value-added Materials, with representatives of the 11 EU MS from the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). She is involved in IEA Bioenergy since 2005 and was contracted as an independent expert for bioeconomy, brining in the spirit of EU15 to the group, to the European Commission Directorate-General Research and Innovation 2020-2021. Since October 2022, she works as a policy officer at the European Commission, Directorate-General Energy: Decarbonisation and Sustainability of Energy Sources Unit, with biomethane and GHG emissions from biofuels pathways as the main file.

Christian Faurholt is project manager for the annual report of security of supply in the Danish gas system. Moreover, he is Energinet Associated Activites country leads for projects in India, Vietnam, and Poland where he is managing activities and securing communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders. Christian is a project manager for Energinets Long Term Development Plan for the Danish gas- and electricity systems. Christian holds a degree in international relations and is specialized in the climate diplomacy and the Paris Agreement.

Christian Faurholt is project manager for the annual report of security of supply in the Danish gas system. Moreover, he is Energinet Associated Activites country leads for projects in India, Vietnam, and Poland where he is managing activities and securing communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders. Christian is a project manager for Energinets Long Term Development Plan for the Danish gas- and electricity systems. Christian holds a degree in international relations and is specialized in the climate diplomacy and the Paris Agreement.

David Kelly is the Director of Customer and Business Development at Gas Networks Ireland, the semi-state organisation responsible for operating Ireland’s €2.7 billion, 14,664km national gas network, and ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of gas to more than 720,000 homes and businesses across the country. As part of his role, David is responsible for Gas Networks Ireland’s ambition to replace natural gas with renewable gases, such as biomethane and hydrogen, to substantially reduce the country’s carbon emissions while complementing intermittent renewable electricity and ensuring a secure energy supply. David has over twenty years of executive-level experience having worked extensively in both the private and public sectors throughout his career. Prior to being appointed to his current role, David was the Group Head of Customer Operations and Public Affairs for Ervia.

Ross Moore is a partner and Head of A&L Goodbody's Energy, Infrastructure & Natural Resources group. He is recognised as one of Ireland's leading energy and projects practitioners. Uniquely he combines his specialism as a banking lawyer in project finance transactions with extensive contractual experience on PPP, renewable and conventional energy projects and specialism in regulatory advice in respect of the electricity, gas and renewable energy markets. Ross also specialises in utility and semi-State energy and infrastructure transactions, oil and gas projects and energy/infrastructure sector M&A and joint ventures.