Brendan McGarr
Asset Development Director, Energia Group
Discover a journey that showcases innovation, leadership and sustainability — contributing to Ireland’s future while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
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.
Farming, engineering and gaining practical experience
Highlighting his early years, McGarr says: “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 firsthand 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, McGarr 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, McGarr 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 16th wind farm comprises eight wind turbines, generating up to 49 MW of renewable energy — enough to meet the annual electricity needs of around 34,000 Irish households. McGarr consistently demonstrates not just technical expertise but a skill for managing complex logistics, timelines and budgets working collaboratively with all stakeholders.
Collaboration is essential in the
construction of wind and solar farms.
Speaking about his role, McGarr says: “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, the grid operators (ESBN and 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, McGarr is passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers. Through his involvement in the Group’s mentorship programme and 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.
McGarr 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 the Group.
Engineering as a career choice
Considering engineering as a career choice for young people, McGarr says: “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, McGarr’s journey is a 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.
