The Electricity Association of Ireland has elected Brendan Kelly, head of commercial for Bord na Móna, as its new chair, and Kevin Hannafin, director of regulation for Energia, as vice-chair, as reported by Business Plus.

Kelly succeeds outgoing chair Peter O'Shea, head of corporate and regulatory affairs of ESB, and will lead the association as Ireland's electricity sector continues to decarbonise. The Electricity Association is the policy body for the electricity industry and includes Bord Gáis Energy, Bord na Móna, Electric Ireland, Energia, EPUKI, ESB Generation, ESB Networks, Flogas, Prepay Power, Rusal Aughinish, SSE Airtricity and Yuno Energy among its members.

Kelly said: "The electricity sector is at the heart of Ireland's energy transition to a decarbonised society and economy. I look forward to working with our members, policymakers and stakeholders to help deliver a secure, sustainable and affordable electricity system for homes, businesses and communities across the country."

As vice-chair, Hannafin will support the chair and the association's work in representing the electricity industry's interests at home and abroad.

Hannafin said: "The years ahead present significant opportunities and challenges for our sector, and I look forward to supporting the Electricity Association's important work in advancing Ireland's clean energy ambitions and ensuring a resilient electricity system."

Dara Lynott, CEO of the Electricity Association of Ireland, said: "Brendan Kelly and Kevin Hannafin bring extensive leadership experience and deep knowledge of Ireland's energy sector. Their expertise will be invaluable to the Electricity Association as it continues to work with members, government and stakeholders to support the delivery of Ireland's climate and energy objectives."

The Electricity Association's associate membership includes AXPO, Captured Carbon, Ecopower Supply, Electroroute, Indaver, Lumcloon Energy, Northern Ireland Networks, Ørsted, Pinergy and Share Energy.

Kelly brings significant energy sector experience to the role. Prior to joining Bord na Móna, he held senior management positions with Smart Wires, a US energy technology company, where he led the development of the EMEA business and subsequently oversaw expansion into the Canadian market. He also previously held senior engineering roles at EirGrid, most notably leading the design of grid connections for over 2GW of wind generators to the Irish system.

At Bord na Móna, Kelly serves as head of commercial for the company's renewable energy division, overseeing the commercialisation of its 2GW-plus development pipeline and leading diversification into offshore wind, renewable gas, power-to-X and flexible technologies.