The recent power crash across the Iberian peninsula has brought Europe’s grid issues to the fore. A recent analysis of 32 electricity Transmission System Operators (TSOs) across Europe identified how outdated grid planning and weak governance is stalling Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels. We hear the key issues and recommendations from this report and why Europe needs a great grid build-out to scale up homegrown renewables, drive economic growth, a break free from risky fossil fuel markets.
2025 Agenda
9:00am
Welcome from the chair
Entrepreneur & Broadcaster
9:15am
OPENING ADDRESS:
Planning a European power system for renewable energy
Programme Lead for Energy Markets and Grids, Beyond Fossil Fuel
9:55am
Ireland’s future power system
MORNING KEYNOTE:
An agenda for policymakers: Identifying and addressing policy risks in Ireland’s energy transition
Actions for policymakers to be taken now, next and later to successfully drive progress towards a decarbonised power system.
Senior Analyst, National Economic and Social Council (NESC)
10:15am
FIRESIDE CHAT
In Conversation With…
Head of Strategy & Network Development, ESB Networks
10:30am
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Driving forward Ireland’s energy transition and economic resilience
How do we realise the economic opportunities in the energy sector on the island of Ireland? From harmonising policy and infrastructure to cross-border collaboration, our panel of stakeholders identify what we need to realise our decarbonisation and economic potential.
Senior Lecturer in Clean Energy Futures, UCC
Research Manager, InterTradeIreland
11:05am
Networking Coffee Break & Exhibition Viewing
STREAM 1: Grid modernisation and integrating renewables
11:35am
Welcome from the chair
Entrepreneur & Broadcaster
11:40am
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Modernising the grid and renewable integration: The challenges ahead
- Policy and regulatory frameworks for grid transformation
- Incorporating new technologies and practices
- Energy storage solutions
- Energy Infrastructure and port infrastructure
- Demand response and flexibility markets
- Grid interconnection and transmission upgrades
- Public engagement and planning
- Workforce skills to improve grid infrastructure
CEO, Energy Storage Ireland
Chief Innovation and Planning Officer, EirGrid
Country Director, Simply Blue Group
12:25pm
FIRESIDE CHAT:
The Just Transition
Ali discusses how grid modernisation supports the Just Transition by creating new jobs in the energy sector, improving energy access, and enhancing grid reliability.
Chair, Just Transition Commission
12:40pm
PANEL DISCUSSION:
Empowering the consumer in shaping a more reliable, efficient and sustainable energy future
Policy Editor, The Business Post
General Manager, Dingle Hub
Managing Director, DCSix Technologies
STREAM 2: Managing demand and energy security
11:35am
Welcome from the chair
11:40am
PANEL DISCUSSION:
The changing paradigm of energy security: How to ensure a secure future for Ireland?
How is Ireland’s energy security landscape evolving in response to geopolitical shifts, climate goals, and technological advancement?
- Geopolitical shocks and supply chain resilience
- Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels: Is Ireland’s investment in LNG essential for energy security or deepening our dependence on fossil fuels?
- Ireland’s path to energy independence: Fast-tracking the shift to renewables as the focus on energy security intensifies
- Energy citizenship and local generation
CEO, Energy Co-operatives Ireland
Founder and Executive Chair, Trifecta Energy CLG
12:10pm
PANEL DISCUSSION:
The gas transition
How Ireland can reduce our fossil fuel imports, protect against global price fluctuations and supply disruptions by shifting towards a fully renewable gas network
Professor in Energy Systems Engineering and Head of Mechanical Engineering, University of Galway
CEO, Hydrogen Ireland
12:30pm
CASE STUDY
Delivering renewable energy to households in need by using energy that would otherwise go to waste
A partnership between Tuath Housing, PrePay Power and EnergyCloud
CEO, EnergyCloud
12:35pm
PANEL DISCUSSION:
What are the most important levers to accelerate energy efficiency?
Energy efficiency is a crucial component of a successful energy transition, playing a vital role in reducing energy consumption and its associated emissions. Our panel explores how Ireland can reduce energy consumption, shift demand intelligently, and improve efficiency across sectors—while empowering consumers and meeting climate targets.
Head of the Economics Research Division, ESRI
1:15pm
Networking Lunch Break & Exhibition Viewing
2:15pm
Welcome back from the chair
Entrepreneur & Broadcaster
2:20pm
Meeting future energy demands
PANEL DISCUSSION
Wired for change: What role will private wires play in Ireland’s energy transition?
We explore the potential, implementation and regulation of this new policy change on Ireland’s energy landscape
2:50pm
FIRESIDE CHAT
Lets talk about…
Our goal is to produce stable, zero-carbon power but can we produce enough power to meet demand without considering producing nuclear energy? Are we ready to talk about it?
18for0
3:10pm
PANEL DISCUSSION:
How will Technology impact energy systems and the pace of Ireland’s transition?
- Digitising the smart grid
- Emerging technologies: What’s ready to scale?
- Unlocking the tranformative potential of AI in the energy sector
- Energy for AI: Key challenges, and sustainable options to meet the rising energy demand of AI
- Unlocking capital for energy innovation
- How can technology bridge — rather than widen — the energy access gap?
CEO, Solar Ireland
3:50pm