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Ireland is exceptionally well positioned to help drive Europe's clean energy future, with abundant wind and solar resources, expanding storage capacity and one of the continent's strongest pipelines of renewable projects. That strength offers Ireland the chance to bolster its own energy security while supporting Europe's competitiveness and energy independence.
These themes will be front and centre at the inaugural Renewable Energy Expo Ireland, which takes place at Dublin's RDS on 21–22 October 2026.
WindEurope chief executive and former Belgian Minister for Energy, Tinne Van der Straeten, will be among the headline speakers. On Day 2, Thursday 22 October, she will join Wind Energy Ireland CEO Noel Cunniffe for a keynote session titled A European Perspective on Wind Energy (10:00–10:30).
Van der Straeten will examine how Europe can accelerate the transition through investment in electricity grids, faster electrification and policies that enable renewables to strengthen competitiveness, energy security and economic growth.
She has led WindEurope since February 2026. Before that, she served as Belgium's Minister for Energy, guiding the country through the energy crisis and helping to deepen European energy cooperation.
During Belgium's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2024, she chaired the European Energy Council, with a focus on developing grid infrastructure and advancing Europe's energy independence.
At Renewable Energy Expo Ireland, Van der Straeten will also discuss how Ireland and Europe can unlock the full potential of renewables, the importance of grid investment and accelerated electrification, and the steps needed to reinforce Europe's competitiveness and energy security. She will highlight why Ireland is particularly well placed to benefit and could become one of Europe's leading renewable economies.
Delivered by Wind Energy Ireland, Solar Ireland and Energy Storage Ireland, the Expo will convene policymakers, industry leaders, investors, developers and technology providers from across Europe to explore how renewable energy can power a secure, competitive and sustainable future.
