RenewableNI, the authoritative body for the renewable energy industry in Northern Ireland, has announced the appointment of its new Chair and Deputy Chair, setting the stage for strategic leadership and expertise in the sector. Tamasin Fraser, the entrepreneurial force behind Omnipower Renewables, steps up as the new Chair, while Sara Tinsley, known for her role at Energia Renewables as the Planning and Environmental Consents Manager, will serve as the Deputy Chair.
This leadership transition, effective for two years, succeeds the term of the previous chair Garth McGimpsey and deputy Paul Carson. The official handover took place during the RenewableNI Committee meeting on March 19, 2024.
Tamasin Fraser shared her vision for the role, emphasizing the critical impact of the renewables sector in combating climate change and spurring economic growth. She expressed her intent to expedite the shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources, in line with the Climate Change Act’s mandate for 2030. Fraser also commended the efforts of her predecessors and looked forward to collaborating with Sara Tinsley and the RenewableNI team to advocate for the renewable industry as a key player in Northern Ireland’s energy future.
Sara Tinsley, taking on the Deputy Chair position, reflected on her previous contributions as the chair of RenewableNI’s Planning working group. She highlighted the significance of RenewableNI’s role in shaping the energy landscape of Northern Ireland, particularly in supporting the development of renewable energy projects to meet net-zero targets. Tinsley anticipates further collaboration to promote positive changes and development in the renewable sector.
Steven Agnew, RenewableNI Director, praised the election process and the caliber of candidates, highlighting the impactful contributions of both Fraser and Tinsley to the membership and the sector at large. He also extended gratitude to outgoing leaders McGimpsey and Carson for their strategic planning efforts aimed at achieving a net-zero electricity system by 2035. Both will continue their engagement with RenewableNI as committee members.
About the New Leaders:
Tamasin Fraser is the Founder and Managing Director of Omnipower Renewables, a company specializing in renewable energy site development and advisory services across the UK and Ireland. With nearly two decades of industry experience, Fraser has played a pivotal role in developing a significant pipeline of renewable projects and aiding energy users in enhancing sustainability and cost reduction.
Sara Tinsley, a Chartered Town Planner, leads a team at Energia Renewables managing planning and environmental aspects for various renewable technologies across Ireland. Her comprehensive experience includes roles in private consultancy and active involvement in several planning and renewable energy committees.
The appointments of Tamasin Fraser and Sara Tinsley represent a promising new chapter for RenewableNI and Northern Ireland’s renewable energy sector, with a strong focus on achieving sustainable growth and contributing to the global fight against climate change.
