Ireland’s Renewable Energy Pioneers Celebrated at Inaugural Irish Renewable Energy Awards

14 November 2025

Winners recognised for driving innovation and progress across Ireland’s clean energy sector

The leading figures in Ireland’s energy sector gathered for the inaugural Irish Renewable Energy Awards, hosted jointly by Wind Energy Ireland and Solar Ireland. These awards marked the first time that the country’s wind and solar sectors have come together to celebrate the people and projects powering Ireland’s clean energy future.

From Ireland’s first coastal wind farm in Mayo in 1992, to the commissioning of the country’s first large-scale solar farm in Meath in 2021, the event highlighted an industry that now supports thousands of jobs, cuts energy bills, reduces carbon emissions and supports Ireland’s energy independence.

The Champion of Renewables Award, sponsored by PwC, was presented posthumously to Dr Eddie O’Connor, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the renewable energy industry. Dr O’Connor, the Roscommon-born engineer and entrepreneur, was the founder of Airtricity and Mainstream Renewable Power and a tireless advocate for a European supergrid. His work transformed Ireland’s energy landscape and inspired a generation of renewable developers.

The award was presented to his daughter, Lesley O’Connor, who is building on his legacy through a new initiative she has founded, Trifecta Ireland, to support Government and industry to make the right energy choices.

“My invitation to you is to join us as a coalition of the willing to continue to honour the legacy of Eddie O’Connor with urgency in your work. To deliver a fossil free future for our children with a super grid to enable a Europe electrified by renewable energy.”

“He continues to inspire me, he was a preacher and practitioner of the art of the possible, “ said Lesley.

Lesley O’Connor accepting the posthumous Champion of Renewables Award honouring her father, Dr Eddie O’Connor.

As the awards recognised excellence across community engagement, innovation and leadership, attendees also heard calls for continued collaboration to deliver the skills, infrastructure, and planning capacity needed to achieve Ireland’s 2030 climate targets and build a revitalised and efficient grid.

Speaking at the ceremony, Noel Cunniffe, CEO, Wind Energy Ireland, said:

“Tonight marks the beginning of a new chapter in Ireland’s clean energy journey. For the first time, the Irish Renewable Energy Awards bring together pioneers from across the wind, solar and storage sectors to celebrate the people and companies leading the way forward. It’s clear from the people and projects celebrated at the Awards that we have the expertise and ambition to flourish, now we must continue to deliver at scale.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Ronan Power CEO of Solar Ireland said:

“Solar Ireland is proud to stand alongside Wind Energy Ireland in celebrating the people and organisations driving Ireland’s clean-energy transition. The Irish Renewable Energy Awards shine a light on the innovators, communities and businesses behind the projects – the people turning climate ambition into delivery on the ground. This is a hugely exciting time for renewables, as wind, solar and storage reshape our energy system, and recognising that leadership is essential to sustaining momentum for a more secure, affordable and sustainable energy future.”

Among those recognised on the night were Energia Group, which received the Renewable Energy in the Community Award for its Meenadreen Wind Farm outreach programme, XOCEAN, winner of the Excellence in Renewable Energy Supply Chain Award for its pioneering work in offshore innovation, and Patrick Donlon of BNRG Renewables, who was named Young Industry Person of the Year for his leadership and ambition as part of Ireland’s next generation of renewable energy professionals.

Patrick Donlon, BNRG Renewables, Young Industry Person of the Year

List of Winners and Nominees