Join industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from Germany and Ireland as they address the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the renewable energy sector today.

The German Irish Business Forum is a new annual flagship event that brings together leaders and decision makers from Germany and Ireland. Hosted by the German Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the forum will address one key topic each year based on current developments that shape bilateral cooperation and economic priorities.

This year’s theme is Renewable Energy and the Path Forward.
Germany has been engaged in the energy transition for over twenty years. Along the way, it has built valuable experience, but also faced challenges and setbacks. This forum will ask: what has Germany learned, what mistakes were made, and how can Ireland use these lessons to avoid delays and build a smarter and more agile approach? The aim is not only to share knowledge but to create space for innovation and new thinking on both sides.

The programme features 2 expert panels:

Panel 1 – Powering Through Challenges: Tackling Supply Chains, Skills and Regulation

This discussion will look at supply chain issues, labour shortages, regulatory complexity and infrastructure bottlenecks. Experts will explore how joint approaches and lessons from Germany can inform Ireland’s next steps.

Speaker:

• James Carton, Assistant Professor, Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technology Development – Dublin City University
• Paul Schuetze, Senior Project Development Manager, Renewable Gas Projects – Bord na Móna
• Vanessa O'Connell, Project Director, Dublin Array Offshore Wind Farm – RWE
• Nick O’Mahony, Managing Director – Siemens Energy Ireland

Panel 2 – Bankrolling the Energy Transition: Overcoming Barriers to Renewable Investments

This panel will explore financing models, risk mitigation tools and the role of public and private institutions in unlocking investment for renewable energy projects.

Speaker:

• Seanna Mulrean, Infrastructure, Construction and Energy Consultant –  Byrne Wallace Shields
• Ian O’Hora, Head of Sustainability –  IDA Ireland
• Joe Jellie, Director –  ABO Energy
• Anthony Doherty, Chief Investment Officer –  NTR plc

The forum will also include keynote addresses, interactive Q and A sessions, and a networking lunch. It will serve as a platform for fostering dialogue, shaping joint solutions and building long term partnerships in the energy sector and beyond.

Do you or your business want to get involved? Please reach out to Torben Meier-Klodt.