Professor J Owen Lewis has been tasked with heading-up Ireland's leading sustainable energy agency, it has been revealed.

Professor Lewis, a long time proponent of sustainable energy practice in the built environment, will take the reins as Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI).

Announcing the appointment, Brendan Halligan, Chairman of SEI, said: "Professor Lewis's demonstrated vision, conviction and passion to the sustainable energy agenda will be a huge asset to SEI.

"His background in energy innovation will ensure that SEI will play a leadership role in the delivery of national energy policy objectives and in Ireland's efforts to meet its international energy and environmental obligations."

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Professor Lewis said: "I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to lead SEI in the delivery of its wide ranging programmes in pursuit of these targets.

"The agenda is one of transforming Irish society and the economy towards overall carbon neutrality and I have been given the full backing and mandate of a strong board and a committed staff complement to achieve this ambition."

SEI was established in 2002 as a statutory agency with a mission to promote and assist the development of a sustainable energy economy.

It is funded by the Irish government through the national development plan with programmes part financed through the European Union.

Professor Lewis takes over as CEO in January 2009 following the retirement earlier this year of SEI's first CEO David Taylor.

(PR/KMcA)