Energia Group graduates presented their latest research at the Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) Annual Conference, with one team recognised with the event's top research and presentation award. The activity forms part of the WEI Graduate & Career Development Programme, in which Energia Group has supported four cycles to date.

Across those cycles, the Group has backed 12 trainees, including the current cohort of five graduate engineers, providing early‑career professionals with opportunities to collaborate and build sector connections.

Programme coordinator Dáire Horgan, Senior Research & Development Specialist at WEI, noted: "Energia Group has been involved in the Graduate & Career Development Programme from the very beginning. Their continued engagement shows a real commitment to lifelong learning and confidence in our delivery of the programme.

"The value of this programme is in the access it gives graduates, to peers, to industry events, and to people working across the sector. Energia Group's continued support has helped make that possible from the start."

At this year's conference, graduates contributed to the Poster Room and delivered group presentations on the main stage. Graduate civil engineer Evan Hollowed and his team won the vote for best research and presentation for their project on Energy Islands and Cross‑Border Collaboration. Reflecting on the experience, Evan said: "The best part of the Programme for me was getting the chance to present at the conference. It was a great learning experience and a really good opportunity to build confidence and share our research with fellow industry members."

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Also taking part were graduate engineers Brian Dignam and Ffion Owen, whose research focused on Biodiversity Net Gain. Brian highlighted the value of the programme saying, "My favourite part was gaining exposure to the full range of the energy sector, from policy and grid integration to commercial strategy and construction. I also really enjoyed collaborating and making new friends with graduates from a wide variety of energy companies." Ffion added: "Moving over from the UK, it has given me great exposure to the ins and outs of the Irish Energy Sector. An added bonus is meeting others who are also at the start of their energy careers – it's a great opportunity to network and make new friends!"

The programme's emphasis on peer learning and cross‑company networking was echoed by graduate engineer Anna Caslin, whose project was The Future of Floating Wind in Ireland. She said: "What I'm enjoying so far is the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other graduates and professionals new to the sector. Working together in small groups on a poster and presentation for the WEI Annual Conference was a great chance to learn about a topic that's different from day-to-day work."

Graduate engineer Mark Higgins added: "The programme helped me gain insights from a wide range of industry professionals and develop a broader understanding of the wind energy sector beyond my day-to-day role, while also building confidence in presenting and engaging with larger audiences."

Energia Group's support extends beyond training, with a 2025 partnership with WEI on a site visit to Drumlins Wind Farm giving graduates first‑hand insight into project delivery. The company says its long‑term investment in early‑career development supports Ireland's renewable energy goals and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 8 (Decent Work), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and 13 (Climate Action).