Midlands to host major green energy conference

An event to explore how Offaly and the wider Midlands can attract high value, energy intensive sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, precision engineering and data centres will take place later this month.

The Offaly Green Energy Conference will be held on Wednesday, February 25, at the Tullamore Court Hotel (Eircode R35 D406). The event brings together national and international leaders as Offaly positions itself at the forefront of Ireland’s clean-energy transformation.

With a rapidly expanding renewable energy pipeline and national recognition for green-energy leadership, the county is now preparing to showcase how the Midlands can anchor a new generation of sustainable, high-value industry.

These industries require coordinated national infrastructure and co-location with renewable energy resources.

Offaly County Council said Offaly is rapidly emerging as one of Ireland’s most dynamic clean energy counties, ranking among the top three counties for renewable energy generation and battery storage.

With more than 25 largescale renewable projects already operational or in development, the county is poised to deliver between 1.5GW and 2GW of green power — a major contribution to Ireland’s 2030 national targets for onshore wind, solar and battery storage, the council said.

Offaly’s expanding renewable pipeline is attracting strong interest from major energy users, supported by the Government’s Large Energy Users Action Plan and the Economic Assessment of Green Energy Parks Report (GEPR).

The GEPR identifies Offaly as one of the most suitable locations in the State for the development of co-located green-powered industry clusters. The county’s existing energy infrastructure, strong grid links, high-quality road and rail connectivity, and strategic proximity to Dublin make it a compelling, cost-competitive location for future sustainable industry.

Speakers from EirGrid, SSE Renewables, Bord na Móna, RPS Tetra Tech and Offaly County Council will examine Offaly’s clean energy transition and the county’s growing role in Ireland’s energy future. Panel discussions featuring IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Amazon Web Services, Statkraft, Lumcloon Energy and others will examine the development pipeline, future infrastructure needs and the rising interest from large energy users seeking sustainable, secure and cost competitive locations.

The conference is designed for renewable energy developers, construction and engineering specialists, local authorities, enterprise and economic development teams, community benefit fund managers, climate and energy consultants, third-level researchers, Sustainable Energy Communities, skills and training providers, and enterprise support agencies.

The conference is free to attend, but registration is essential. Register at: localenterprise.ie/offaly