Energy on the Estuary 2025 highlights Mid-West’s role in Ireland’s renewable future

Energy on the Estuary 2025 highlights Mid-West’s role in Ireland’s renewable future. Mairead Connolly – President Limerick Chamber, Michael Walsh – Chair SFPC, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP, Michelle Gallagher – CEO, Limerick Chamber – Minister Timmy Dooley – Beverly Finnegan – Ireland Site Lead, Verizon, Kieran Scannell – Limerick Site Lead, Verizon, Pat Keating – CEO SFPC

Limerick Chamber’s flagship renewable energy summit ‘Energy on the Estuary 2025’ highlights the Mid-West’s role in Ireland’s renewable future

The fourth edition of Energy on the Estuary, Limerick Chamber’s flagship renewable energy summit, took place on Monday, October 13th, at Verizon’s Centre of Excellence at 1BQ, Limerick.

Themed “From Port to Power: Unlocking the Mid-West’s Energy Potential,” the event brought together leaders from government, industry, academia, and international delegations to explore how the Mid-West region can drive Ireland’s clean energy transition.

Now in its third year, the Energy on the Estuary series has established itself as a key platform for collaboration, focusing on the region’s strategic assets – from Shannon Foynes Port, to robust grid connections and the abundance of natural assets – positioning the Mid-West as a linchpin for Ireland’s offshore wind, hydrogen and other energy generation industries.

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The day’s discussions featured a powerful lineup of panels, including “Is Ireland Ready for Offshore Renewable Energy?” with senior representatives from the Departments of Environment, Enterprise, and Transport, and the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council; and “Enabling the Transition,” featuring leaders from IDA Ireland, Ocean Winds, SSE, KPMG, H&MV, and NESC, exploring how policy, infrastructure, and investment can accelerate decarbonisation.

The day also included a discussion titled “Leading the Charge,” where international experts from Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Scotland shared best practices in offshore energy collaboration and green port development.

Set against Ireland’s national 2030 renewable energy targets, Energy on the Estuary 2025 reaffirmed that the Shannon Estuary region is uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of clean energy. With deepwater port capacity, existing energy infrastructure, and proximity to key offshore wind sites, the Mid-West offers the scalability, connectivity, and innovation needed for Ireland’s low-carbon transformation.

Mairead Connolly, President of Limerick Chamber, said, “Energy on the Estuary has become the pulse point for Ireland’s renewable future. The Mid-West is not just part of the national conversation – it is where the future of energy generation, innovation, and sustainability will be built.

“This event proves that collaboration is the foundation of progress. It comes at an appropriate time where the Government used last week’s budget, as well as the NDP, to signal and investment pathway for capital infrastructure in Ireland – we need to ensure that the Mid-West is a part of that pathway”

Michelle Gallagher, CEO of Limerick Chamber, commented, “From policymakers to investors, today’s dialogue was about action. The Mid-West’s potential as an energy powerhouse is clear, and our role as a Chamber is to ensure the region’s voice is heard at the highest levels. What stood out today was the united show of force from across the region — with Chambers from Limerick, Shannon, Galway, Kerry, and Tipperary all aligned behind a shared goal: to unlock energy security and realise the region’s renewable potential. The momentum built here will drive tangible outcomes for businesses and communities alike.”

Speaking on behalf of Shannon Foynes Port Company, a key event sponsor, Pat Keating, CEO, said, “Our company is proud to support an event that not only showcases the region’s strengths but also highlights the critical partnerships needed to deliver Ireland’s renewable ambitions. The Shannon Estuary is where opportunity meets capability.”