EDF Renewables Ireland, part of one of the world’s largest electricity companies, has appointed Jenny Howard its new Head of Development. In her new role, Jenny will lead EDF Renewables’ development team in Ireland, as it looks to develop wind and solar farms across the country and capitalise on a development pipeline of c.1GW.
Originally from Stamullen in county Meath and now living in Drogheda, Jenny has almost 15 years’ experience in renewable energy, and has been involved in the delivery of almost 300MW of onshore wind on the island of Ireland to date. A chartered engineer, she also holds an MSc in Renewable Energy Systems. She was previously EDF Renewables’ Development Manager for Ireland, and prior to joining the company held project management roles with Gaelectric and Wind Prospect.
Commenting on her new role, Jenny Howard, Head of Development at EDF Renewables Ireland, said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this new role at what is an exciting time for our business and the future of renewables in Ireland. Since January our headcount in Ireland has grown rapidly, and this year alone we’ve announced plans for four new onshore wind farms around the country.
“We expect to submit our first planning applications early in the new year, and 2023 will also see the start of construction on a 130 hectare solar farm in county Roscommon. Our team continues to work hard to ensure projects are developed in consultation with local communities, and we’re focused on achieving our goal of having up to 500MW worth of projects operational by 2030.”
Welcoming her appointment Ryanne Burges, Director for Offshore and Ireland at EDF Renewables, said: “EDF Renewables is committed to helping Ireland realise its renewable energy potential, both in offshore and onshore technologies, and we’re delighted to have someone of Jenny’s calibre to lead our onshore development team in Ireland. Jenny brings to the role an in-depth knowledge of the market as well as an understanding of what it takes to get projects developed in Ireland. I’m looking forward to working closely with her and the rest of the Irish team as we continue to support the Irish Government to achieve its climate action targets.”
About EDF Renewables Ireland
EDF Renewables Ireland is part of one of the world’s largest electricity companies and our investment and innovation in renewable energy projects is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits to communities.
EDF Renewables Ireland’s team has a wealth of experience in bringing complex development projects to fruition, across onshore and offshore wind, solar PV and battery storage technology, and is supported by more than 300 colleagues in the UK.
In 2020 we acquired 50% of Codling Wind Park, a major offshore wind farm which will be located off the coast of Co. Wicklow, with a dedicated team who have begun developing the project, and 100% of Wexford Solar, which includes eight solar projects across Ireland. In total we have an Irish onshore development pipeline of almost 1GW.
EDF Renewables operates in more than 20 countries around the world.
