We were delighted to sponsor this year’s Galway Energy Summit, which took place on the 11th of August at the University of Galway as part of the ASHRAE Region XIV CRC. The conference’s theme was ‘Achieving Net Zero’, bringing together individuals and organisations across all industries to achieve net zero carbon, with a particular focus on decarbonisation efforts in the built environment. Over the day, there were several engaging panel sessions on various research, policy and project-based perspectives on the progress made in decarbonising our energy sector.
Ellen Costello, MKO Project Environmental Scientist, joined an engaging and robust panel discussion on the ‘Pathway to Net Zero’. The panel was chaired by Dr. Rory Monaghan of the University of Galway and included Dr. Paul Deane of UCC, Catherine Joyce O’Caollai of ESB, Declan Meally of SEAI and Jaap Hogeling of the EPB Centre. From a series of short presentations, the panel explored varied perspectives of what that pathway to net zero looks like. Why this transition to a clean energy future is the right one, the national policy instruments that are in place and how they are evolving. What a multifaceted renewable energy system could look like in 2050, and what energy regulations and standards are coming down the line in the built environment. Ellen discussed the MKO experience of bringing renewable energy projects through the EIAR and planning process.
Time became the theme of the day, and while we face key challenges in achieving our ambitious energy targets, it became apparent that there are endless opportunities ahead in Ireland’s clean energy future.
