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Minister Timmy Dooley T.D
Minister of State at DAFM and the DCEE |
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Maurice Ryan
Director Business Development at Green Belt President of IrBEA Maurice Ryan is Director of Business Development at Green Belt, Ireland’s largest private forestry management company and currently serves as President of IrBEA. With extensive experience in the forestry and renewable energy sectors, Maurice plays a key role in supporting sustainable land use and promoting afforestation across Ireland. Maurice is a strong advocate for forestry as a cornerstone of Ireland’s climate action and rural development strategy. |
Welcome Address
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Seán Kinsella
Principal Officer, Renewable Heat Delivery, Dept of Climate, Energy & the Environment Seán Kinsella works within the framework set by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the division which is shaping policy and funding supports to ensure biomass can contribute to the Renewable Heat Obligation, while also underpinning district heating projects across Ireland. A key emphasis is on building indigenous supply chains and ensuring sustainability standards in line with EU rules such as the Renewable Energy Directive, so that biomass delivers real emissions reductions while also supporting rural economic development. |
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Ileana Repaci
Policy Officer, Bioenergy Europe Ileana is part of the Policy Team at Bioenergy Europe, where she focuses on domestic heating. Drawing on her background in International Relations, she coordinates the Domestic Heating Working Group and related advocacy efforts on key files, such as Ecodesign, Energy Labelling, and the Heating and Cooling Strategy. She is also actively involved in cross-sectoral policy dossiers, including the Industrial Accelerator Act. |
Overview of the European Biomass Policy Landscape
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Fergus Sharkey
Head of Business Supports and Transport, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Fergus Sharkey is Head of Business Supports and Transport at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Ireland’s national authority responsible for driving the transition to a sustainable energy future. A chartered engineer and experienced leader in the energy sector, Fergus has extensive expertise across renewable energy, energy efficiency, and large-scale capital projects. In his current role, he leads programmes that support businesses in transitioning to low-carbon energy, including initiatives focused on energy efficiency, renewable heat, solar PV, and electric vehicle adoption. His team works with SMEs and large industry to deliver advisory services, training, project development support, and grant funding, helping organisations reduce emissions and improve energy performance. |
Delivering renewable heat in Ireland through business supports and the SSRH
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Ian McCracken
Business Development Director, Balcas Energy A leading producer of wood pellets and renewable energy solutions across the UK and Ireland. He has extensive experience in the forestry and biomass sectors, overseeing operations in timber processing, combined heat and power (CHP), and wood pellet production under the Brites brand. Under his leadership, Balcas has contributed significantly to the development of sustainable biomass energy and the efficient use of forestry resources. McCracken is actively involved in promoting low-carbon heating solutions and supporting the transition to renewable energy. |
Wood pellets and industrial powder burning system
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Dominic Schöne
Senior Executive, Enterprise Ireland Dominic Schöne works in Enterprise Ireland's Sustainability Department, where he develops and scopes industrial decarbonisation projects with Irish manufacturers, supporting them in accessing state-aid funding for their green transition. Prior to Enterprise Ireland, Dominic held a number of FDI roles at IDA Ireland spanning technology, engineering, climate-tech, and industrial decarbonisation. Dominic holds a BA International, and MSc in Strategy, Innovation & Management from University of Galway, a Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Entrepreneurship, and is currently undertaking a part-time PhD in Business Strategy at University of Galway, with research focused on strategic commitment under uncertainty in the context of industrial decarbonisation. |
Financial supports for biomass heating systems
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Paula Lynch
Programme Manager at Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Paula Lynch is a Programme Manager with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), working within its business energy supports area, including the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH). In this role, she is involved in delivering programmes that help Irish businesses transition to more sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions, particularly in the adoption of renewable heating technologies such as biomass systems.She works closely with industry stakeholders, grant applicants, and project developers to support the uptake of energy-efficient and renewable heating systems across commercial and industrial sectors. Her work contributes to Ireland’s broader climate and energy targets by promoting practical, funded pathways for decarbonisation within SMEs and larger enterprises. |
The SSRH role in growing the adoption of biomass and development of the supply chain
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Kenneth Worrell
Managing Director, Worrell Timber Group Kenneth Worrell is Managing Director of Worrell Timber Group, a leading forestry and timber harvesting company based in Co. Laois. He founded the business in the early 1990s and has since developed it into one of Ireland’s most recognised providers of timber harvesting, haulage and biomass supply services. Through his business, Kenneth helps to maximise value for forest owners while supporting the growth of renewable energy markets. His work focuses on sustainable forest management and the efficient use of timber resources, contributing to Ireland’s transition towards a low-carbon, bio-based economy. Kenneth is an active contributor to the forestry and bioenergy sector, regularly engaging with industry initiatives and stakeholders to promote innovation and best practice. |
Wood chip, a low-cost fuel for renewable heat at scale and energy security
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Joseph Spollen
Biomass Manager at BNM Joseph manages the team responsible for the sourcing and delivery of biomass material for the Edenderry Power Plant. Joseph holds a BAgrSc from University College Dublin and an MSc from TU Dublin. He has also spent a number of years working in the Renewable Energy sector in the UK and Europe prior to his current role with BNM. |
A large biomass user’s perspective in Ireland and role in mobilising the supply chain
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Des O’Toole
Head of Marketing & Promotion, Coillte Forest Des O’Toole is a structural engineer and senior business leader with over 30 years of experience in forestry, with a strong emphasis on bioenergy. He has been a key advocate for renewable, forest-based energy, serving as former President of the Irish Bioenergy Association where he promoted sustainable bioenergy development in Ireland. As Head of Marketing and Communications at Coillte Forest, he supports the growth of renewable timber resources and their role in low-carbon building and energy solutions. His work helps connect innovation with market demand, positioning forestry as a vital contributor to climate and energy goals. Des is a member of the NSAI Timber Standards Consultative Committee, developer of Timberspec.ie and co-author of Woodspec, a technical guide for timber specifiers. He also chairs the Communications Working Group for the Interdepartmental Timber in Construction Steering Group. Through his leadership and expertise, he continues to advance the role of bioenergy within a sustainable, low-carbon economy. |
Decarbonising Industrial Heat
The Strategic Role of Biomass in the Pharmaceutical Sector |
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Niamh Brennan
Policy Executive, Irish Farmers Association (IFA) Niamh Brennan is the Policy Executive responsible for Energy From Farms in the Irish Farmers Association. The association established an Energy From Farms Project team in 2024 with a blend of industry experts and farmer representatives, which Niamh supports through policy development and stakeholder coordination. Niamh holds a BAgrSc and an MSc in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin. She has worked with the IFA for 8 years across a range of policy areas, with a strong focus on energy, sustainability and farm diversification. In her role, Niamh is involved in developing evidence-based policy positions on renewable energy and biomass, working closely with farmers, industry stakeholders and technical experts. She engages regularly with Government departments and agencies to represent the interests of farm families, and plays an active role in consultation processes, advocacy and lobbying on key issues affecting the sector. |
The role of farmers in the bioeconomy and
biomass supply chain |
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Ivan Sproule
Engineer at Sproule Energy Consulting Ivan Sproule is an experienced Energy Professional with a proven track record in energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental management. He demonstrates strong expertise in sustainable development, energy policy, environmental impact assessment and regulatory compliance, including EPA IPPC energy compliance audits. He is skilled in identifying and delivering energy efficiency improvements and conducting renewable energy integration assessments to support decarbonisation and low-carbon transitions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Energy Management in Buildings from South East Technological University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Public Management (Business Management stream) from the Institute of Public Administration, and an NCEA Certificate in Mechanical Engineering from Sligo Institute of Technology, combining technical knowledge with policy and management expertise to deliver effective, compliant, and sustainable energy solutions. |
Mobilising the use of biomass in the commercial sector
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Professor J.J. Leahy
Senior Lecturer, University of Limerick Prof. J.J. Leahy is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Sciences at the University of Limerick and a leading researcher in bioenergy, biofuels and waste-to-energy technologies. He has extensive experience working at the intersection of academia, industry and policy, contributing to a number of national and European projects in collaboration with organisations including Teagasc. His research focuses on developing sustainable solutions for converting waste materials into valuable bio-based products, supporting the transition to a circular bioeconomy. Professor Leahy has secured significant research funding and maintains strong industry partnerships, helping to drive innovation in Ireland’s renewable energy and agri-food sectors. |
Outlining the Just Transition funded BIOCHAR Project and the opportunities for this sector in Ireland
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Noel Gavigan
Technical Executive, IrBEA Noel Gavigan is the Technical Executive for IrBEA since 2010, his main role is project delivery, technical backup for members and management of the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) Scheme. Noel has worked on some of IrBEA’s key projects including the Biomass Trade Centres, Biogas3, Digestate Standards, Midlands Bioenergy Development Project and Small-scale Biogas Demonstration EIP Project. |
Biomass in Ireland – Decarbonising industrial, commercial and domestic heating
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Stephen McCormack
R&D Project Manager, IrBEA Stephen McCormack holds a bachelor’s degree in Energy, Sustainability and the Environmental Science from IT Sligo and a postgraduate in Environmental Sustainability from UCD. Stephen's focus in IrBEA includes the delivery of several Interreg NW Europe projects. At this conference Stephen will showcase three new projects, two of these projects are Interreg Northwest Europe initiatives focused on advancing the biochar sector and the other being an EU Just Transition Fund BIOCHAR Project initiated in 2026. This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund. |
Innovation in Biochar - IrBEA’s continued Interreg NWE journey
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Ger Crosse
Vice President of IrBEA Ger Crosse is an experienced professional in the bioenergy sector, with over two decades of involvement in the development and deployment of biomass heating solutions across domestic and international markets. As co-founder of Woodco Renewable Energy, he has played a key role in expanding biomass adoption across Ireland by working closely with industrial and commercial clients to deliver low-carbon heating alternatives. In addition to his commercial work, he serves as Director and Vice President of the Irish Bioenergy Association, where he actively contributes to industry development, policy engagement and the promotion of biomass energy across Ireland and the UK. |
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Paddy Phelan
CEO South East Energy Agency Paddy Phelan is an Irish engineer and sustainability leader, best known as CEO of the South East Energy Agency. With over two decades of experience, he has played a key role in advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy across Ireland. A graduate of University College Dublin, he combines technical expertise with practical delivery, particularly in housing retrofit programmes and community energy projects. Phelan has also contributed at national level as a board member of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Known for his hands-on approach, he focuses on turning climate policy into real-world results, helping households and organisations reduce energy use, costs, and carbon emissions. Paddy is a Director at IrBEA and previously served as its President. |
A regional context for biomass uses in heating
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Kenny McCauley
McCauley Wood Fuels Kenny McCauley is an Irish renewable energy specialist and founder of McCauley Wood Fuels, a company focused on the production and supply of sustainable biomass fuels. With a strong background in forestry and wood energy, he has played a key role in advancing Ireland’s transition to low-carbon heating solutions. McCauley has been actively involved in industry leadership and is a early member of the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Scheme (WFQA). Kenny McCauley is a 2026 Nuffield Ireland Scholar and his study topic is: “Mobilising rural biomass: unlocking renewable heat, carbon storage and bioeconomy value from farm forest resources.” |
A WFQA supplier perspective
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Eugene Hendrick
Consultant, WFQA Chairperson Eugene Hendrick is a climate change and renewable energy consultant with extensive experience across both the public and private sectors. He has held senior roles within the a number of government departments and agencies where he worked on forest sector development, climate change policies and measures and renewable energy. He is actively involved in Ireland's bioenergy sector and has contributed to the advancement of renewable heat and biomass initiatives through his work with industry stakeholder and policy bodies, including IrBEA. He is the current chairperson of the IrBEA Solid Biomass Group and Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Scheme (WFQA). |
Carbon accounting from biomass and the ETS Sector
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Akko Rattink
International Sales Manager, Kara Energy Systems KARA Energy Systems designs and builds advanced biomass energy systems that convert a wide range of biomass into sustainable heat, steam, and electricity. The company delivers fully customized, turnkey solutions for various fuel types, including wood, oat husks, and straw. KARA serves diverse industries worldwide, helping them reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to CO2-neutral energy sources. With over a century of experience, the company is committed to high efficiency, reliability, and low-emission energy solutions. |
Biomass technology - Latest innovations and developments
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Seán Finan
CEO, IrBEA Seán Finan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA). He is a Chartered Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons) Degree from National University of Ireland, Galway. Prior to joining IrBEA, Seán working in the construction sector and held the role of 35th National President of Macra na Feirme, the young farmers representative organisation, from 2015 – 2017. Seán leads IrBEA and its members for a sustainable future in bioenergy and to strategically position the Biomass, Biogas, Biofuels, Biochar, Wood fuels and Energy crop sectors to play a key role in Ireland’s Sustainability Renewable Energy Roadmap. Seán will be hosting the panel discussions at the conference. |
Conference Chairperson and Panel MC
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