Irish Women in Solar – Dawn Keegan, Environmental and Sustainability Specialist
Our July Irish Women in Solar feature shines a light on Dawn Keegan, a dedicated sustainability specialist helping shape solar projects with impact that goes far beyond clean energy.
From her early days in residential construction to leadership roles in utilities and renewable energy, Dawn’s career is defined by a constant drive to embed environmental integrity, biodiversity, and innovation into her work.
“I was particularly drawn to solar energy because it tackles climate change, energy security, and economic opportunity at the same time.”
Building ESG from the Ground Up
One of Dawn’s proudest milestones has been leading the development of an ESG strategy at Power Capital, embedding biodiversity, sustainability, and community into all solar projects.
“I was the first person to hold an environmental role in the company and looking back, I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved so far.”
Power Capitals annual ESG report goes beyond energy production, it highlights Power Capital’s growth as a company, celebrates the team’s achievements both in house and in the community, and showcases the impactful work being done around environmental protection and sustainability.
Confidence, Representation & Support
When asked whether she’s faced challenges as a woman in the professional world, Dawn is honest: there were times she had to speak louder just to be heard. But with time, confidence, and the support of strong role models, she found her voice..
“I’ve learned to really back myself and build a strong network in the industry. Most people genuinely want to help and share knowledge -you just have to ask.”
She’s a strong advocate for mentorship, leadership visibility, and creating pathways into technical and executive roles, so that more women feel empowered to pursue careers in clean energy.
“Spaces like WISE(IR) highlight women in leadership, which can be so influential to others who feel like that path isn’t possible for them.”
Opportunities for Impact
Dawn is energised by the scale of opportunity in solar, not just in generation, but in storage, grid modernisation, and in community energy models that make the energy system more democratic and inclusive. she is drawn to innovation and always searching for ways to do things better.
She’s particularly passionate about the growing focus on ethical supply chains in the solar industry.
“It’s not just about producing clean energy, it’s about making sure it’s done in a way that truly reflects the values of sustainability, including fairness, respect for people’s rights, and a commitment to ethical, responsible practices”
Looking Ahead: From Spotlight to Series
Dawn’s goal is clear: to develop projects that restore ecosystems, empower communities, and support Ireland’s climate ambitions—while mentoring the next generation of women in solar.
But her work doesn’t end here. In the coming months, Dawn will co-author a new Agri-PV and Biodiversity blog series with Solar Ireland, exploring how clean energy and land use can evolve together—sustainably.
We’ll dig into key topics like soil health, water, biodiversity, livestock, and land sharing—breaking down what responsible solar development looks like on Irish farms.
“It’s not just about energy, it’s about what we give back to the land and the people.”
Watch this space for the August kick-off post!