Powering the Transition: Cork’s Green Energy Future
The Sustainable Cork Programme (SCP) is designed to set a vision for a more sustainable and resilient Cork, empowered by a thriving business community.
As proud SDG Ambassadors, designated by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Cork Chamber continues to embed the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all our activities and initiatives. This event supports the achievement of SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action by exploring what Ireland's green energy transition means in practice – for businesses, for policymakers, and for Cork.
Ireland is legally bound to meet ambitious carbon budgets, and the pathway to a net-zero economy runs directly through how we generate, distribute and consume energy. From decarbonisation roadmaps for SMEs, to energy regulation and national mitigation policy, the transition is already reshaping how businesses operate and compete. Understanding the opportunities — and navigating the challenges — has never been more important.
Why you should attend:
- Hear directly from those shaping Ireland's climate and energy policy, and what the carbon budgeting framework means for Cork businesses.
- Explore how Ireland's electricity sector is evolving and what the shift to renewables means for energy supply and demand.
- Learn how SMEs and larger organisations can develop practical decarbonisation roadmaps, access funding, and future-proof their operations.
Speakers:
Dr. Meabh Gallagher, Mitigation Team Lead, Climate Change Advisory Council Secretariat
Meabh holds a BA Moderatorship in Geology and a PhD in Geochemistry from Trinity College Dublin. Prior to joining the Climate Change Advisory Council Secretariat in February 2022, Meabh worked in the areas of environmental science research, climate and energy policy development, and energy regulation. Her work with the Climate Change Advisory Council Secretariat focuses on carbon budgeting, on carbon budgeting, climate change mitigation and energy system decarbonisation.
Fergal Desmond, Head of Onshore Wind & Solar, ESB Generation and Trading
As proud SDG Ambassadors, designated by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Cork Chamber continues to embed the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all our activities and initiatives. This event supports the achievement of SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action by exploring what Ireland's green energy transition means in practice – for businesses, for policymakers, and for Cork.
Ireland is legally bound to meet ambitious carbon budgets, and the pathway to a net-zero economy runs directly through how we generate, distribute and consume energy. From decarbonisation roadmaps for SMEs, to energy regulation and national mitigation policy, the transition is already reshaping how businesses operate and compete. Understanding the opportunities — and navigating the challenges — has never been more important.
Why you should attend:
- Hear directly from those shaping Ireland's climate and energy policy, and what the carbon budgeting framework means for Cork businesses.
- Explore how Ireland's electricity sector is evolving and what the shift to renewables means for energy supply and demand.
- Learn how SMEs and larger organisations can develop practical decarbonisation roadmaps, access funding, and future-proof their operations.
Speakers:
Dr. Meabh Gallagher, Mitigation Team Lead, Climate Change Advisory Council Secretariat
Meabh holds a BA Moderatorship in Geology and a PhD in Geochemistry from Trinity College Dublin. Prior to joining the Climate Change Advisory Council Secretariat in February 2022, Meabh worked in the areas of environmental science research, climate and energy policy development, and energy regulation. Her work with the Climate Change Advisory Council Secretariat focuses on carbon budgeting, on carbon budgeting, climate change mitigation and energy system decarbonisation.
Fergal Desmond, Head of Onshore Wind & Solar, ESB Generation and Trading
Fergal is a Cork native and has over 17 years’ experience in the energy sector. Having worked in oil and gas for a number of years, he made the transition to focus on sustainable energy by joining ESB in 2015. In ESB Fergal has had responsibility for acquisitions in the power generation sector. He managed the acquisition of over 5GW of renewable generation capacity and was a founding member of ESB’s offshore wind business. In 2025, he became responsible for the development of onshore wind and solar projects in Ireland and currently manages a portfolio of over 2.0GW. Fergal is deeply committed to the decarbonisation of Ireland’s electricity system and in addition to his day job, he sits on the Board of Solar Ireland and of FuturEnergy Ireland.
Jake O’Connell, Commercial Director, SE Systems
Jake is Commercial Director at SE Systems, bringing over 19 years of experience delivering complex, end-to-end energy and electrical turnkey projects across commercial and public sector environments. With a background in electrical engineering and membership of Engineers Ireland, Jake combines strong technical expertise with sharp commercial insight. He leads strategic client partnerships, drives business growth, and oversees the successful delivery of large-scale energy projects, from initial concept and design through to execution and optimisation. Jake works closely with organisations, particularly SMEs, to navigate the transition to sustainable energy. He advises on integrated, turnkey solutions, supports access to funding and grant opportunities, and develops practical, results-driven decarbonisation roadmaps that align technical delivery with long-term business goals.
Moderated by:
Dr Alicia Mateos-Cárdenas, REEValue & Sustainability Lead, Cork Chamber
Alicia leads the EU LIFE-funded energy project REEValue, working with Irish and European partners to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy across value chains. She also serves as a central, cross-functional lead for all Chamber sustainability activities, working closely with the senior management team and the Sustainability Committee. Alicia holds a PhD in Environmental Science and was recognised by The Irish Times as one of the "50 People to Watch in 2026" in the Sustainability category.
Join us for this Sustainable Cork Programme event, where we'll explore the realities of Ireland's green energy transition, what it means for Cork businesses today, and the opportunities it unlocks for the future.
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The Sustainable Cork Programme is in association with Cork Chamber Skillnet, ESB Generation & Trading and SE Systems.
In association with
The Sustainable Cork Programme is rooted in the Chamber's commitment to the UN SDGs and the vision for Cork and is designed to set a vision for a more sustainable and resilient Cork, empowered by a thriving business community.
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Date and Time
Friday Jun 12, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM IST
Location
Online
Fees/Admission
Free - Registration Essential
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