Issue 89
Progress, setbacks, and some HVO-powered optimism—charting the bumpy path to a greener Ireland.
Hello friend,
A quick reminder before I dive into the news round-up that the BnM Accelerate Green Conference is taking place in less than two weeks. We’re gathering in Tullamore on May 15th to mark the culmination of the current Accelerate Green Grow Programme, to do a deep dive into Ireland’s energy policy, and to hear from the Irishman who wants to build the world’s longest power cable across the Atlantic Ocean. He might want to have a word with the Minister for Climate Environment and Energy, Darragh O'Brien TD, who will also deliver a keynote on the day.
This is a conference that delivers impact and value, and all you need to do to guarantee a seat is drop me a reply.
See you there.
Here’s the news round-up for SDG Alpha Issue 89:
I’ll start with two bright notes, as the next few items are a little depressing: first, UrbanVolt has secured a €40M debt facility from HSBC, bringing its total funding to €230M. This move aims to accelerate the deployment of its solar-as-a-service model across Ireland, the UK, and continental Europe.
While Dublin-based EV fleet start-up EVE Mobility has been selected as the sole European participant in this year's US Venture Sustainability Accelerator. This recognition underscores EVE's innovative approach to sustainable transportation solutions and highlights its potential for international growth—serious progress for another company in the BnM Accelerate Green community 💪
OK, the next few pieces are shared as a reminder that a) we still have a long distance to go to in responding to the climate and biodiversity challenges, and b) that the targets we have to line-up are blindingly clear! Ireland's Earth Overshoot Day will fall on May 17th in 2025, highlighting our unsustainable use of resources that would require 1.75 Earths to maintain. Just let that one sink in a bit. Social Justice Ireland have published a useful piece on what this means for the most vulnerable communities in our society.
And sharing this mildly positive update on planning frameworks to try and offset the next few items about planning failure 🤦 The Irish Government has approved a revised National Planning Framework (NPF), aiming for a more strategic, coordinated approach to infrastructure, with stronger emphasis on biodiversity, energy efficiency, district heating, and green spaces. The NPF won't come into force until both Houses of the Oireachtas sign off, but it signals a big shift toward long-term, plan-led development and tighter integration across sectors.
OK, deep breath to get through the planning disasters/setbacks to follow: the Irish Academy of Engineering has raised concerns about the feasibility of the Government's 2050 target to fully decarbonise the electricity sector, citing major challenges in infrastructure, investment, and planning. They’re calling for a more detailed and realistic roadmap, warning that without it, targets risk becoming wishful thinking.
Plans by Power Capital Renewable Energy to build a 318-acre solar farm near Dualla, Co. Tipperary, have been delayed by seven appeals to An Bord Pleanála, citing concerns over environmental impact and community disruption. Despite the project's potential to contribute to national renewable energy goals, local opposition—including from Independent TD Mattie McGrath, and nearby residents—highlights tensions between green infrastructure development and rural community interests.
An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for the €88 million Coumnagappul Wind Farm in Co. Waterford, citing its location within an exclusion zone and the visual impact of 185-metre turbines on the scenic Comeragh Mountains.
And a trifecta for An Bord Pleanála, as they also delay decisions on three offshore wind farm proposals—Oriel, North Irish Sea Array, and Arklow Bank—pending detailed assessments on impacts to marine life, aviation, search and rescue operations, tourism, and coastal erosion. The extensive information requests, due by January 2026, cast doubt on the feasibility of meeting Ireland's offshore wind targets.
Turning the corner on the delay of infrastructure projects, Keppel has signed a 10-year PPA to power its Dublin data centres entirely with wind energy from Ballincollig, Co Kerry, via Greencoat Renewables.
Nephin Renewable Gas – Ballinrobe Limited has secured planning permission from Mayo County Council for a new AD plant near Ballinrobe. The facility will process organic materials to produce renewable energy, contributing to Ireland’s circular bioeconomy goals; Nephin Renewable have big ambitions, with a further AD plant seeking planning permission in Arklow.
We’re back-to-back Belfast next, with news that Belfast Harbour has broken ground on a £90 million terminal serving both cruise ships and offshore wind projects. It’s a big bet on the port’s future role in clean energy, with over 30 offshore wind farms planned nearby.
While Navantia UK has committed £78 million to modernise Belfast's Harland & Wolff shipyard, aiming to revitalize the historic facility and enhance its capacity for naval and renewable energy projects.
Staying with matters nautical (like the very model of a modern Major General) Irish Ferries has taken a significant leap forward on its sustainability journey by transitioning the Dublin Swift ferry on the Dublin-Holyhead route to renewable hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
Also riding the HVO wave, Dublin Bay Cruises has relaunched the biofuel-powered St. Bridget as part of a broader commitment to eco-friendly operations and enhancing the passenger experience along Dublin’s coastline.
SK Tes, the Singapore HQ’d IT asset management solution provider, is opening a new 36,000 square foot facility in Shannon, Ireland by mid-2025 to support hyperscale data centers and local enterprises with IT asset disposition and lifecycle services. Nice win for the continued development of Ireland’s circular economy capabilities.
Limerick-based AMCS has expanded its municipal and recycling technology portfolio with the acquisition of Selected Interventions, a UK-based SaaS provider supporting waste services for approximately 19 million residents globally. In parallel, AMCS has also acquired Mandalay Technologies, an Australian company specialising in modular cloud-based weighbridge and data management solutions, enhancing its capabilities in the waste and resource recovery industry.
IDA Ireland has launched a new Client Transformation Division (and the delightfully title Green Jersey newsletter—chapeau!) to support businesses in becoming more sustainable, innovative, and resilient. This initiative offers tailored assistance in areas like R&D, digitalisation, and skills development, aiming to help client companies adapt to climate goals and technological changes.
Ireland and the UNDP have launched a new Project Office for Sustainable Finance in Dublin, marking the UNDP's first formal presence in Ireland. Backed by €7.5M in Irish Government support over three years, the office will serve as a global platform to drive innovation, scale impact, and strengthen the alignment of finance with climate, nature, and sustainable development goals.
Applications are now open for the BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio, run by Hatch Blue with Bord Iascaigh Mhara, offering mentoring and commercial support to early-stage aquatech innovators focused on sustainable seafood and climate resilience. Application deadline is July 18.
The Cork Chamber's Sustainable Cork Programme 2025 event, scheduled for June 4, will explore how Irish businesses can enhance competitiveness through circular economy practices such as sustainable design, waste repurposing, and product life extension.
The Mermaid Arts Centre is running a one-day workshop in Roundwood on 10 May focused on creating prints using handmade botanical inks. Led by artist Elida Maiques and ethical dye maker Malú Colorín, it offers a hands-on introduction to natural mark-making using eco-conscious materials. I interviewed Malú for a Three, Sixty feature back in Issue 24, definitely a good one from the back catalogue.
And I’ll close with a focus on the mighty Banner County, as is only right and proper (The eagle-eyed amongst you will have seen that the cover image at the top is also from West Clare. Yes, I’m biased about my native county, and I don’t care). Anyway, a 27-acre bog in Knocknahila, West Clare, is being rewetted through a collaboration between local farmer Seán Tubridy, the Knocknahila Community Group, and Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Office. This initiative aims to restore biodiversity by creating habitats for protected species like the merlin and hen harrier, while also serving as a model for sustainable land management and carbon sequestration. Maith thú, a Sheáin!
