Conall Bolger has been appointed as the CEO of the newly established energy think tank Trifecta Ireland.
The group was founded by renewable energy practitioner and investor Lesley O’Connor.
Trifecta’s initial priority is they say to develop "a credible vision and roadmap for transforming how the country produces, uses and manages energy".
Trifecta said their plan will lay out clear, practical steps to reach a zero-carbon energy system by 2050.
As part of the plan, the new organisation says it will focus "on shorter-term decarbonisation wins, developing energy that is clean, secure, and affordable for all."
Bolger has worked in renewable energy for almost two decades, including roles with Airtricity, Mainstream Renewable Power, Cornwall Insight and the Crown Estate.
He was most recently the CEO of Solar Ireland (recently rebranded from the Irish Solar Energy Association) since 2021.
During his time as CEO of Solar Ireland, Bolger successfully advocated for numerous changes in national policy to support solar power and renewables.
Results related to this advocacy included: solar dominating Ireland’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions account for 73% of RESS capacity; the removal of planning restrictions for rooftop solar panels; and the introduction of a 0% VAT rate for solar panels.
Over that time, Ireland’s solar capacity grew from 3MW to nearly 1,700MW.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr Bolger said: “Ireland has an abundance of natural resources and human capability to power our future through wind and solar energy.
"This energy transformation offers a profound opportunity for everyone in our society to benefit. What needs further development is a unified vision and a defined master plan.
"Trifecta Ireland will work with government and industry stakeholders to build out that plan and aims to be a constructive positive voice in Irish energy policy. I look forward to leading these efforts.”
Photo: Conall Bolger
