After six years of incredible leadership, Steven Agnew, RenewableNI Director, will be stepping down from his position in September to take up a new role at RenewableUK, our co-parent company.

Under his leadership, Steven has helped position RenewableNI as a leading voice in Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity transition.

The organisation has grown in influence, strengthened relationships with government and key stakeholders, and doubled membership size.

Together we have built an organisation that is trusted, collaborative and innovative.

During his time as an MLA, and his years at RenewableNI, Steven’s commitment to shaping progressive policy and engaging meaningfully across Northern Ireland has left a legacy beyond his climate change commitment.

We are incredibly grateful for Steven’s vision, integrity, and dedication to progressing clean energy.

While we’ll greatly miss his day-to-day leadership, we are excited about this new chapter. Steven’s move to RenewableUK will strengthen the connection between our organisation and the wider UK renewable energy agenda.

The RenewableNI team remains fully committed to supporting our members and driving forward our policy and engagement work.

We will keep you informed about next steps and the future leadership of RenewableNI in due course.

In the meantime, please join us in thanking Steven for his remarkable contributions.

Announcing his move on LinkedIn, Steven said:

“After almost six years at the helm of RenewableNI, I will be stepping down in September to take up a new role with RenewableUK.

Steven Agnew, Director of RenewableNI, voice of Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity industry

“I am really proud of the development of our association. Having taken over NIRIG (the Northern Ireland Renewables Industry Group for those not around at that time!) in 2019, we rebranded and relaunched as RenewableNI in 2020. We have grown the membership to over 60 companies and the staff team from one to four, allowing us to expand our service and increase our visibility.

“However, an association’s success should be measured by the strength of the industry it represents, not its own growth for its own sake. My priorities when I started were to get a 70% by 2030 renewables target, and a new support scheme that would re-energise the sector. Securing an 80% target was a real achievement that resulted from the collective effort of our industry and reflected policy developments elsewhere. A new support scheme is coming, along with revised planning policies, albeit slower than we would like. I am confident that once these are in place we can see the renewables industry grow again and sustain its place as a vital part of the Northern Ireland economy.

“It has been a privilege to work with our members and I am particularly grateful to the Chairs, CEOs and staff team that have supported me and guided RenewableNI. As much as I am looking forward to my new role, I will leave RenewableNI with a heavy heart. However, I will be staying within the wider family and the interests of Northern Ireland will always be at the forefront of my mind.

“Wind Energy Ireland and RenewableUK will lead the appointment of my successor. It will be an incredible opportunity for whoever follows me.”