As part Engineer’s Week, Energia Group is celebrating the expertise of its diverse teams working on projects crucial to the decarbonisation of the energy system across the island of Ireland. Among these engineering experts is David Macartney, Energia Group’s Corporate Development Director. David has enjoyed his journey from a Graduate Engineer to being a key player in the Renewable Energy industry having worked on innovative projects that support our decarbonisation goals and advance the UNSDG 13 Climate Action.
David Macartney graduated from Queens University Belfast with a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 1998. His career started in the Group in the Northern Ireland Electricity Graduate Engineering programme. Over his impressive 25-year tenure at Energia Group, David has completed his MBA in 2011 and held a variety of roles in the company, including; managing power station decommissioning to overseeing the development of innovative renewable energy projects including solar and onshore wind. David played a pivotal role in the development of the first green hydrogen production facility on the island of Ireland at the company’s Long Mountain windfarm and championed the Group’s first energy storage strategy which has led to the development of a first of its kind battery storage facility in Belfast.
Noting his time in the company David said, “After 25 years in the energy sector, what energises me most is seeing first-hand the impact projects I have been involved in come to pass. Our projects have been pioneering in many cases, for instance green hydrogen and battery storage. The evolving technology and energy landscape means that I am always challenged and learning. Collaborating with brilliant colleagues and partners, mentoring younger professionals and being part of an industry that is continually innovating makes every day rewarding.”
By the end of this decade, Energia Group plan to generate three times as much renewable energy from onshore wind and solar projects, reduce the carbon intensity of its electricity generation by 50% compared to 2019, align further their responsible business activities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and invest €3 billion in renewable technologies as part of their Positive Energy investment programme.
David’s passion for his work is evident as he highlights the rewarding aspects of collaborating with expert engineering teams to tackle today's pressing challenges, including climate change and energy security. He said "The cornerstone of solving challenges through engineering is harnessing the power of teamwork. Each project brings its own challenges but there is great satisfaction in overcoming obstacles and seeing tangible results that will help us to reach our climate goals. Making a meaningful impact through engineering while continuing to learn and innovate is certainly very fulfilling."
A vocal advocate for sustainability and the role engineering can play in achieving a greener future, David has shared his insights at international forums, including COP26, where he spoke about Energia Group’s partnership with Translink and their transformative journey to decarbonizing public transport in Northern Ireland.
David is also leading Energia Group’s partnership with Artemis Technologies in developing a world leading zero emission hydrofoil ferry in Belfast. Speaking about the Group’s involvement in the pioneering project David said, “We are delighted to be the energy partner for this exciting project Renewable hydrogen will play a key role in the decarbonisation of maritime transport, with zero-carbon hydrogen fuel cells providing greater range for the electric hydrofoil ferry.”
Offering advice to aspiring engineers, David said, “I would encourage aspiring engineers to join professional engineering bodies such as Engineers Ireland or the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET). It is not just about membership, it is about connection and being part of a network of knowledge and expertise, mentorship and opportunities.”
David, a strong advocate for collaboration, is also driving the establishment of Energia Group’s Engineering Academy which focuses on creating an environment that fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation in engineering in the Group.
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