The 2024 Ireland Electrified Annual Conference, supported by Wind Energy Ireland and ESB Networks was held at Clontarf Castle, Dublin on the 5th December.
This Conference offered a unique and first-time event covering all of electrification across electric heat, and electric transport in Ireland. The event highlighted that there is immense potential in Ireland to electrify its heat and transport, but the right policy framework must be developed to help aid the switch from fossil fuels.
Ireland Electrified brought together key stakeholders to discuss how Ireland can make change happen to increase electrification. The Conference attendees heard of the latest policy initiatives in the area, the potential in electrification and hear how companies can make the switch to electric heat and transport. Fleet Transport attended.
The electrification of vehicle fleets in Ireland represents immense potential ahead. Session four of the conference heard from some companies in Ireland that are leading the way in electrifying transport, across both public and private sectors, and got a perspective on different vehicle charging possibilities.
See below list of speakers:
Session 4 – Electric Fleet Transport – Challenges and Opportunities
Chair- Tricia Murray – Energia
Ray Connolly – Senior Technical Manager Engineering, Bus Éireann
Keith Young – ATC Computer Transport & Logistics
Daniel Whalen – Sustainability Associate, DPD Ireland
Here are some of the broad topics discussed with regards to electrifying transport.
- Implement overnight mega-watt charging of buses, vans and trucks
- A lot of investment required to install more high-power charge points nationwide as well as trying to avoid using public charging due to optics – invest in employee and depot charge points
- Broad concern about lack of or reduced grants
- Trying to generate money from demand side response
- Training professional drivers about regenerative breaking
- Consider installation of Solar Panels on all industrial estate and warehousing buildings
- Commercial push is deemed to be more relevant than new policy to increase electrification of fleets
- Grid problem is becoming more of an issue
Additional reporting by Eoin O’Connor