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Tuesday 4 March 2025 | 10.00am – 3.00pm

Women in Renewables returns in March for another fantastic all female event.

This year’s theme is ‘STEM Role Models’ as we look at how we can promote women in the sector, and encourage more to consider a future in renewables.

The day will feature a networking breakfast, an all-female panel, round table discussions and lunch.

Following positive feedback from last year, we are once again returning to the Linen Suite at Ten Square as we welcome you with our red carpet and the amazing scones.

Doors open at an inclusive start time of 10.00am ensuring those with caring commitments do not need to change and allowing plenty of time for sustainable travel to our city centre venue.

Attendees will be seated at round tables and we aim for you to be with people you don’t already know to help you build new connections.  Each table will have an inspiring woman as the Chair helping to facilitate the discussions.

This year’s panel will share their experiences as women in renewables and their paths to success.  Tamasin Fraser, the current Chair of RenewableNI, will be bringing her extensive expertise as she puts questions to the panel, before taking questions from the audience.

Joining her on the panel:

  • Vicky Boden, Senior Community Investment Manager for Ireland, SSE Renewables;
  • Eimear Watson, Head of Networks, SONI;
  • Emma Kelly, Director (Planning), Turley;
  • Lisa O’Neill, Renewables Development Manager, NIE Networks.

Scroll down for the full agenda and to learn more about the speakers.

Women in Renewables 2025 agenda

Registation

Doors open for registration and networking over scones and refreshments.

10.00am

Table introduction

Introductions at your round table - you will not be seated with colleagues.

10.30am

Panel

All-female panel: introductions, questions from panel chair Tamasin Fraser, then audience Q&A

11.00am

Round table

Round table discussions on topics suggested by attendees. Slido poll included.

12.15pm

Lunch

Hot fork buffet lunch

12.55pm

Meet the Mentor

Over lunch, learn about mentoring

13.15pm

Networking

Free networking with everyone in the room.

14.00pm

Tamasin Fraser

Managing Director, Omnipower RenewablesRenewableNI Chair

Tamasin is founder Managing Director of Omnipower Renewables, a renewable energy development and advisory company active across the UK and Ireland, specialising in identifying, acquiring and developing renewable energy sites. The company also works directly with energy users to increase their sustainability and reduce their costs.

Before founding Omnipower Renewables, Tamasin was UK Director for a leading international renewables developer, where she was responsible for establishing and delivering a 3 GW pipeline of onshore wind, solar, energy storage and hydrogen projects across the UK. A graduate of Queen’s University Belfast and Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, she is a Chartered Planner with almost 20 years’ industry experience.

Emma Kelly head and shoulder looking at camera 800x560
Emma Kelly

Director (Planning) at Turley
Chair of RenewableNI Planning Group

Emma has been a qualified planner for over 20 years, graduating from Newcastle University in 2004 with a degree in Town Planning. She went on to obtain a Post Graduate Diploma in Town Planning, specialising in urban design. Since qualifying in 2004 Emma worked in the public sector as Development Management Officer and Regeneration Officer, before moving to a consultancy role with Lichfield’s as an Urban Designer. During her time at Lichfields Newcastle Upon Tyne office Emma transitioned to become a Planning Consultant and remained at Lichfield’s until 2015 when she moved back to Northern Ireland.

In 2015, Emma joined Turley planning consultancy’s Belfast Office as an associate director in the planning team and has recently been promote to a Director in the planning team. She is also a core member of the Turley Net Zero Infrastructure Task Force which operates across the UK and Ireland.

Since qualifying, Emma has also held position as Vice Chair of the RTPI North East Branch, Chair of the RTPI Northern Ireland Branch and is the current Chair of the RenewableNI Planning Group.

Emma has worked across a range of sectors from housing to renewables. She has been responsible for the preparation of a series of planning applications for renewable energy, including wind farms; solar panels and green hydrogen across NI. This has included preparation and co-ordination of Environmental Statements; community consultation and negotiation of planning applications. She has also taken part in inquiries for renewable energy schemes and represented energy developers at independent examination into the soundness of emerging local energy policies.

Lisa O'Neill

Renewables Development Manager, NIE Networks

Lisa O'Neill graduated in 2010 with a First-Class Masters in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Queen's University. She has 14 years’ experience within the electricity industry, with 12 years of that being in roles mainly focusing on facilitating renewable generation onto the network while maintaining a safe and reliable electricity network.

Lisa is a senior leader within NIE Networks Connection Business and holds the title of Renewables Development Manager. She is responsible for both small-scale and large-scale generation projects from the initial application stage right through to construction. Lisa is also responsible for NIE Network’s Connection Development department which drives change internally and externally to ensure that NIE Networks is best placed to meet the changing needs of its connecting customers as Northern Ireland makes its journey to Net Zero.

Lisa has experienced a number of live challenges since starting the world of work and appreciates how each life challenge has helped her to understand herself better while also shaping her leadership style. As a mum to two little girls and working alongside other females, Lisa believes it is her responsibility to show other females that we can have it all without the need to be, ‘Super Woman’. Lisa believes in positive reflection, having a support network, being vulnerable and asking for help when you need it.

Eimear Watson

Head of Networks, SONI

Eimear Watson is an Electrical Engineer with 15 years’ experience in the energy and utilities sector. Eimear joined SONI, the electricity Transmisison System Operator in 2012 and has gained a wealth of experience in the planning and operation of the power system. As Head of Networks at SONI Eimear is responsible for delivering grid solutions for new transmission connections and network reinforcements to support Northern Ireland’s future energy needs.
Vicky Boden

Senior Community Investment Manager at SSE

Based in Belfast, with over 20 years of experience at SSE, Vicky is currently the Senior Community Investment Manager, overseeing community benefit funds across the island of Ireland. In this role she leads initiatives that support local communities ensuring that SSE’s Community Fund programme aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Previously Vicky was the External Affairs Manager for SSE’s onshore renewables business where she fostered relationships with key stakeholders and communities in promoting the company’s renewable energy projects.

She is passionate about driving positive change in the communities SSE have renewable energy projects and to help communities create lasting impact through the use of the Community Benefit Funds.

Nominate inspiring STEM role models for WiR25

Tell us the women in renewables that you think should become one of our STEM Role Models for chairing a table.

In the heart of Belfast, located just behind City Hall, Ten Sqaure is easy to access with public transport.  Attendees will access the venue by an exclusive entrance – easy to spot as we have a red carpet.

Metro Bus
Belfast Metro buses main stops are located on the four sides of City Hall meaning a one minute walk to the Linen Suite door.

Train
Ten Square is located a short walk between the new Grand Central Station and the Lagan Station.

Car
Visit the Ten Sqaure page for driving directions and parking suggestions.

Women in Renewables in partnership with

SSE Renewables
SONI logo

Watch a slide show of

Women in Renewables 2024

Also returning for 2025 – the photographer behind our lovely images Tara Torrens!