Renewable Energy Ireland, a partnership of the country’s leading sustainable energy associations, has announced the appointment of Mr Jim Breslin as its new chairperson. Mr Breslin succeeds Dr Tanya Harrington who had served in that role since 2021.
Mr Breslin has played a distinguished leadership role in public service over three decades, including as Secretary General of three different Government departments, most recently, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Ms Marie Donnelly, now head of the Government’s Climate Change Advisory Council, was Renewable Energy Ireland’s first chairperson when it was established in 2019 to bring together organisations working with different technologies and systems but which were united in their determination to achieve Irish energy independence.
Outgoing chairperson Dr Tanya Harrington said: “I have been proud to work with a broad range of organisations working in wind, solar, marine and bioenergy alongside those developing new technologies that support the integration of renewable energy technologies.
“We all share a common vision that by 2050 Ireland will be energy independent through using indigenous, clean, carbon-free renewable energy supported by, and supporting, communities across our country.
“Renewable Energy Ireland is a common voice for all committed to driving forward Ireland’s energy transition, to ensuring Irish households and businesses can get clean, affordable, energy. I am delighted that Jim will now take up this role and ensure that REI continues to work with industry, consumers and Government to deliver Ireland’s Climate Action Plan.”
REI Strategy
During Dr Harrington’s time as chairperson, REI published is first strategy, recommending more action across power, transport, buildings and industry sectors to reduce carbon emissions; and 40by30, Ireland’s first renewable heat plan. REI has also worked to support the reinforcement of Ireland’s electricity grid and for reform of the planning system to accelerate the delivery of renewable energy.
Last year REI delivered a key action under the Climate Action Plan 2023 to identify the benefits to the public from the development of renewable energy. This report was published last year and is available here.
It has become an influential voice in energy policymaking and has recently run several partnerships with local radio stations to explain and promote the decarbonisation of our energy supply.
Incoming chairperson Mr Jim Breslin said: “Renewable Energy Ireland is now a single authoritative voice for the renewable and sustainable energy sector.
“Together, we can further accelerate the development of renewable energy and the infrastructure to support its distribution. With clean, secure and affordable energy we will not just decarbonise our energy use but improve how we heat our homes and buildings, travel to work and produce goods and services.
“We will take an essential step in tackling climate change and, at the same time, secure Ireland’s competitiveness in growing and attracting enterprise and jobs into the future.
“I am really looking forward to working with all the stakeholders whose collective action will secure for Ireland a clean, secure and affordable energy future.”
Background
Mr Jim Breslin enjoyed a 30 year career in the Irish senior public service, spanning both central government and the health service. He was Secretary General of three different Government Departments.
He was first appointed Secretary General in 2011 to lead the establishment of the new Department of Children and Youth Affairs. From 2014 to 2020 he was Secretary General of the Department of Health. From 2020 to 2023 he led the newly established Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
His qualifications include a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, an MSc (Econ) from Trinity College/Institute of Public Administration, a Certificate in Business and Climate Change from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership at the University of Cambridge and a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors. He held a Policy Leader Fellowship at the Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge.