As part of Engineers Week 2025, Energia Group is highlighting the evolving role of engineering in shaping a more sustainable future for all. In a world increasingly focused on tackling climate change, few exemplify the progress of renewable energy quite like Brendan McGarr, Asset Development Director at Energia Group. Brendan has spent almost 20 years shaping the future of energy with a career that spans engineering, infrastructure delivery, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to creating a more sustainable future for all.

Farming, engineering and gaining practical experience

Highlighting his early years, Brendan said, “It was through working on my grandfather’s farm and my uncle’s building sites that the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and problem-solving were instilled in me. Growing up, I learned first-hand the challenges of managing land, machinery, and infrastructure. Whether it was fixing equipment or optimising the use of resources, I developed an early knack for hands-on problem-solving. Every day I apply these skills to tackling complex development and construction challenges, helping to bring large-scale renewable energy projects to life supporting Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable future.”

With a passion for solving problems Brendan went on to study engineering at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), where he honed his technical knowledge, gaining deep insights into engineering principles while also exploring how these could be applied to real-world challenges.

Building a sustainable energy future

In 2010, Brendan joined Energia Group as a Project Manager and has taken up several senior leadership roles in the organisation since. Over the years, he has played a vital role in the successful delivery of state-of-the-art renewable energy projects such as Drumlin’s Park Wind Farm in Monaghan. The Group’s sixteenth wind farm comprises 8 wind turbines, generating up to 49 MW of renewable energy - enough to meet the annual electricity needs of around 34,000 Irish households. Brendan consistently demonstrates not just technical expertise but a skill for managing complex logistics, timelines and budgets working collaboratively with all stakeholders, key traits that have propelled him into leadership roles.

Speaking about his role, Brendan said, “As Asset Development Director, I am fortunate to lead a diverse talented team of engineers, planners, project managers, and community engagement specialists tasked with the development and construction of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure supporting our decarbonisation ambitions. Of course, collaboration is essential in the construction of wind and solar farms. It takes a coordinated effort between engineers, contractors, environmental teams, local authorities and the grid operators (ESBN & Eirgrid) and local communities - every stakeholder plays an important role. By working together we can address the unique challenges that come with every project ensuring that we deliver renewable assets that benefit both the environment and the communities that we are part of.”

Commitment to mentorship and sustainability

Beyond construction, Brendan is passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers. Through his involvement in the Group’s mentorship programme, Talent Steering Group, he is helping young professionals understand the importance of sustainability in engineering and how they, too, can make a meaningful difference in the world. Brendan also played a pivotal role in establishing the company’s Engineering Academy, an exciting initiative aimed at fostering innovation, knowledge sharing and excellence within the diverse engineering disciplines within Energia Group.

The next generation of engineers – engineering as a career choice

Considering Engineering as a career choice for young people, Brendan said, “If you like to be challenged, stretched and enjoy solving problems engineering is an excellent career choice. Also, through engineering, you can  work on a wide variety of projects some of which are tackling the world’s most pressing challenges such as climate change. You can make a difference to people and communities at a local, national and global scale. It is a career path that can take you anywhere in the world, one that is always required, constantly evolving and always rewarding.”

From the fields of his grandfather’s farm to the leadership of a large renewable energy development and construction team, Brendan’s journey is a remarkable story of growth, innovation, delivery and dedication. He is not only shaping the future of renewable energy but also inspiring the next generation of engineers to do the same.