Irish Women in Solar - Kate McCarthy

Kate McCarthy, Senior Commercial Analyst, Perigus Energy

For many people entering renewable energy, the attraction is not only the technology or the growth of the sector. It is the opportunity to contribute to something tangible.

That was certainly true for Kate McCarthy.

Now Senior Commercial Analyst at Perigus Energy, Kate moved into solar after beginning her career in a more traditional corporate finance role at the National Treasury Management Agency. While the experience provided strong commercial foundations, she found herself searching for greater purpose in her work.

“I was looking for a role where I could see a real purpose. When my current role came up, I felt it was the opportunity to contribute in a real tangible way to a more sustainable Ireland.”

Since joining Perigus Energy (formerly Ørsted) in 2022, Kate has been involved in the commercial development of large-scale renewable projects at a pivotal time for the Irish market.

Building Momentum in Solar

One of the milestones Kate is most proud of was being part of the team preparing for the company’s first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auction in Ireland.

“I was part of developing our strategy for bidding in RESS auctions, which was a success and we continue to use a similar strategy.”

Participating successfully in a first auction process represented an important moment both professionally and for the wider business. For Kate, it reinforced the role commercial strategy plays in enabling renewable deployment at scale.

Another milestone that stands out was speaking at the iWish conference, which promotes STEM careers to girls in secondary school.

“This was an opportunity I was lucky to receive and felt very proud to promote renewable energy to a large group of young women.”

Women in Solar

Working in a predominantly male industry has at times meant navigating environments where female representation remains limited.

“I have often been the only woman in important meetings, and it can feel challenging to ensure your point is being acknowledged.”

While she describes the industry as generally inclusive and welcoming, Kate recognises that confidence and visibility still matter. Her approach has been simple but important: speak up and make your voice heard. She believes increasing female representation across solar is critical, not only for fairness and visibility, but for better outcomes across the industry.

“When women are visible in solar, playing any part in the industry, it challenges the longstanding notion that energy is a ‘male’ industry.”

For Kate, diversity strengthens innovation, problem-solving and engagement, all areas that will become increasingly important as Ireland’s solar sector continues to expand. Her advice to women considering renewable energy reflects the pace and importance of the transition already underway.

“Jump at the opportunity to positively contribute to the future.”

Looking Ahead

Kate sees significant growth opportunities emerging across the Irish solar sector, particularly through private wires, corporate power purchase agreements and the co-location of solar and storage assets.

As large electricity users seek direct access to renewable supply, she believes solar will play an increasingly important role in supporting energy security, flexibility and long-term competitiveness. She also sees growing potential in approaches that better integrate solar into existing land use and infrastructure systems, particularly Agri-PV.

“Reframing solar development as a land-use partner, rather than a competing land use, will be critical.”

For Kate, enabling agriculture and renewable generation to coexist productively will play an important role in building long-term trust and supporting wider deployment across rural Ireland.

Looking ahead, she hopes to continue contributing to the delivery of large-scale solar projects, including Garreenleen Solar Farm as it approaches commissioning. For Kate, the appeal of solar remains rooted in something simple: the opportunity to contribute to work that has visible, long-term impact.

As Ireland’s solar sector continues to evolve, her journey reflects a generation entering renewable energy not only for career growth, but to help shape a more sustainable future.