16 October 2024 – EDF Renewables Ireland, part of one of the world’s largest electricity companies, has appointed Paul Gallagher as its new Head of Onshore Technologies. In his new role, Mr Gallagher will lead EDF Renewables’ growing Irish development team, as it looks to develop a portfolio of wind, solar and battery storage sites across the country.

Originally from Portlaoise in Co. Laois, Mr Gallagher has over 20 years’ experience in infrastructure development and delivery, including over 15 years developing renewable energy assets. He was previously Portfolio Director for Renewable Energy at FuturEnergy Ireland and Coillte, and prior to that spent over five years developing onshore wind projects in Australia. He holds a Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from UCD, as well as qualifications in project management, geotechnical engineering and business finance.

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Commenting on his new role, Mr Gallagher said: “EDF Renewables is seeking to have over 10GW of operational assets across Ireland and the UK by 2035. Having energised some of Ireland’s first grid-scale solar farms last year, and with a pipeline of new onshore wind, battery and solar sites of over 1GW, I’m very much looking forward to working with our growing team to help Ireland fulfil its renewable energy potential.”

He also cautioned that while Ireland was continuing to make progress on its climate action goals, the pace of change to deliver key regional grid infrastructure and implement recent policy measures to improve permitting conditions needed to be stepped up.

“Unfortunately Ireland is on a countdown to 2030 where time is not on our side. The challenges to Ireland achieving its climate action goals have been well publicised, not least the lack of grid infrastructure in those parts of the country where the renewable energy resources are greatest. Lengthy planning and judicial review processes have also contributed to major hold-ups. The EU’s recent warning  to member states including Ireland in this regard should act as a wake-up call, and the sector urgently needs a commitment of resources to address these issues if Ireland is to avoid the billions of Euro of climate fines that are coming down the track.”

Welcoming his appointment, Ryanne Burges, Director for Offshore and Ireland at EDF Renewables, said: “Paul’s extensive experience speaks for itself, and we’re excited to have someone of his calibre and passion for renewable energy development take on this role.

“This has been a milestone year for our Irish team, with our first onshore wind farms entering planning permission, auction success in RESS4, and of course Codling Wind Park, Ireland’s largest phase 1 offshore renewable energy project, also entering the planning system. I have no doubt that Paul and the team will continue to build on this momentum and I’m looking forward to working closely with him to bring renewable energy projects around the country to fruition.”

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For further information please contact:

David Clancy, External Affairs Manager, EDF Renewables Ireland

Email: david.clancy@edf-re.ie

Phone: 087 172 2762

About EDF Renewables Ireland

EDF Renewables Ireland is part of one of the world’s largest electricity companies and our investment and innovation in renewable energy projects is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits to communities.

EDF Renewables Ireland’s team has a wealth of experience in bringing complex development projects to fruition, across onshore and offshore wind, solar PV and battery storage technology, and is supported by more than 600 colleagues in the UK.

In 2020 we acquired 50% of Codling Wind Park, a major offshore wind farm which will be located off the coast of Wicklow and have also entered into a 50:50 partnership to develop the Emerald and Western Star floating offshore wind farms, to be located off the coasts of Cork and Clare, respectively.

Together, these three projects could power over two million homes across Ireland.

In 2023 we energised three of Ireland’s first grid-scale solar farms and have announced plans for six onshore wind farms across Ireland. In total we have an Irish onshore development pipeline of almost 1GW.

In the UK, EDF Renewables has an operating portfolio of 43 renewable energy sites including battery, onshore and offshore wind (together totalling more than 1.5GW) and a development pipeline of almost 14GW. EDF Renewables operates in more than 20 countries around the world.

www.edf-re.ie