Tuesday 13 October | 10.30-12.30
In RenewableNI and A&L Goodbody’s autumn edition of our popular renewable energy seminar series as we examined the findings of the Flexibility Needs Assessment.
As renewable generation continues to grow, flexibility and energy storage are becoming essential to maintaining system security, reducing constraints and enabling higher levels of clean electricity. The session examined the findings of the Flexibility Needs Assessment and explored the role of storage and other flexibility solutions in supporting the energy transition.
Panellists discussed the policy, regulatory and market frameworks needed to move from assessment to delivery, and how flexibility can support efficient network development, lower system costs and maximise the value of Northern Ireland’s renewable energy resources.
The sold out seminar audience included developers, investors, advisers and stakeholders working across the renewable energy supply chain who wanted to better understand the opportunities and challenges shaping the next phase of the energy transition.
View the RenewableNI intro and membership information slides.
Claire O’Kane,
Utility Regulator
Claire O’Kane is an Analyst in the Utility Regulator’s Flexibility and System Services Team, having joined the organisation in 2024. Her work focuses on supporting the transition to a more flexible, renewables-led electricity system. She represents the Utility Regulator across key areas including Long Duration Energy Storage and led Northern Ireland’s first Flexibility Needs Assessment, assessing system and network flexibility requirements over the next five to ten years.
Before joining the Utility Regulator, Claire worked in the Energy Group in the Department for the Economy, focusing primarily on European energy legislation. She holds a First Class degree in Geography and Geology from the University of Glasgow and a Postgraduate Certificate in Energy Management and Green Technologies from Ulster University.
Michael Atcheson,
SONI
Michael has 15 years of operational market and TSO experience. Operating the All-Island Market and managing market surveillance Analysis. Current role focus is innovation to deliver the route to market for flexible storage and new technologies. Enabling the transition to a low carbon, reliable, economic and safe energy system.
Niamh Collins,
A&L Goodbody
Niamh Collins is a senior associate in A&L Goodbody’s Energy team in Belfast. She specialises in advising on complex acquisitions and project finance in the energy industry and has experience in the onshore wind, solar, AD, battery storage, waste energy gas and electricity infrastructure sectors. She also specialises in providing regulatory advice in respect of the electricity, gas and renewable energy sectors.
Unlocking Flexibility and Storage venue
This seminar will be held in the A&L Goodbody Lounge at Ravenhill Rugby Stadium, now known as Affidea Stadium.
The address is 134 Mountmerrion Avenue, Belfast, BT6 0FT.
There is limited on-site parking with free parking on the roads around the area.
You can take the regular Translink Metro services from Belfast City Centre using the Translink Journey Planner for details walking a few minutes to the Mountmerrion gate.
