Solar & Storage Live London saw CEO Conall Bolger take a quick trip over the Irish Sea, where he was interviewed by the Xtra team.
Conall discussed the projects contributing to Ireland’s status as an emerging solar market, the upcoming opportunities to look out for in the UK and Ireland’s solar markets this year, and the many benefits of attending industry shows with the best and brightest.
Interview with Conall Bolger, CEO of the Irish Energy Association
“Solar moves so fast that, to keep up to date, you do have to come to events like this.”
Xtra: What is contributing to Ireland’s status as an emerging solar market?
Conall: It comes down to two factors: an industry building up an exciting pipeline of projects across fields and rooftops across the country, and a policy framework that’s shifted in the last 2 to 3 years.
The two things combined have led to Ireland moving through the gears of solar, and to solar now being the fastest-growing source of renewable electricity on the island.
Xtra: What are 3 major opportunities for the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland’s solar markets in the next 12 months?
Conall: So there are three big opportunities out there. [First] making better use of the network that we have through co-locating solar and storage on sites. That’s true across Europe, the UK and Ireland.
The second big one is about building the grid out and unlocking the opportunities that exist for solar. The third is around that wider economic gain.
There’s a real industry growing here: it’s evident if you just look around this fine venue and this event that solar is not looking to grow gradually. It’s multiplying every year. It’s very exciting.
Xtra: Who are you most looking forward to speaking to at Solar & Storage Live London?
Conall: The people I’m most looking forward to talking to are some of my peers and different associations, the investors both in Ireland and other markets and, the wider supply chain – telling them the good news about Ireland.
Xtra: Why is it important to be at Solar & Storage Live London and why are events like this so important?
Conall: Solar moves so fast that, to keep up to date, you do have to come to events like this. To engage with people, listen to some of the talks.
Six months is a long time in our industry, so it’s also an opportunity to build those connections that will unlock opportunities in the future.
Missed out on Solar & Storage Live London, or want to come back for more? Don’t miss the Birmingham edition from 24-26 September.
