Minister opens pivotal energy conference in Cork

Minister of State Dooley officially opened the 20th Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan Conference at City Hall in Cork today. This significant gathering forms part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, placing the country at the heart of EU energy innovation and policy discussions.

The conference agenda includes plenary and parallel sessions focused on reducing energy costs through cutting-edge clean technologies, transforming energy systems, closing innovation gaps across Europe, and advancing industrial decarbonisation. Other critical themes include offshore energy, sustainable heating and cooling, clean energy manufacturing, and the integration of artificial intelligence and digitalisation in energy solutions.

Addressing attendees, Minister Dooley highlighted Europe’s urgent need for a cleaner, more affordable, and competitive energy system that also strengthens technological sovereignty. Reflecting on two decades of SET Plan cooperation, he emphasised the opportunity to convert European innovation into industrial success and reiterated the conference’s role in shaping future priorities. Secretary General Oonagh Buckley joined a distinguished panel of national and international experts, reinforcing Ireland’s leadership during this pivotal period under its EU Council Presidency, which focuses on competitiveness, values, and security.