Irish Women in Solar – Lisa Foley, Cornwall Insight
This month’s Irish Women in Solar feature highlights Lisa Foley, an electrical and electronic engineer whose 15+ year career has shaped the island’s electricity sector across grid operations, policy, market design, and the pathway to a net-zero power system.
Now Head of Ireland and Northern Ireland – Principal Consultant at Cornwall Insight, Lisa advises government departments, system operators, regulators, developers, suppliers, investors, and industry bodies on how to navigate — and accelerate — Ireland’s clean-energy transition. Her expertise spans revenue forecasting, market participation, regulation, and the future system needs of a high-renewables grid.
She also sits on the Energy Storage Ireland Council and the EirGrid/SONI Shaping Our Electricity Future Advisory Council, bringing her technical experience directly into national decision-making spaces.
Lisa’s journey is a testament to resilience, technical leadership, and the power of seeing yourself as an engineer first, and not “the only woman in the room.”
From Early Engineering to Energy Transition Leadership
Lisa’s passion for electricity systems began in college, where she studied electrical and electronic engineering. A student placement with EirGrid sparked a fascination that never left.
“I found the work in EirGrid fascinating. I was at the forefront of the wind transition back in 2009… I loved the way they were looking at the system and what needed to evolve, grow, develop in order to facilitate this new technology at the time.”
Working in Access Planning during the pivotal Gate 2 and Gate 3 years, she developed a deep understanding of how the grid must adapt to integrate renewables – knowledge that underpins Ireland’s solar expansion today.
A defining milestone came when she was trained as a Transmission Engineer in the National Control Centre. This experience gave her a rare, system-wide perspective – understanding the real-world implications of policy decisions on those “trying to keep the lights on.” And it continues to shape her strategic work with clients across the energy value chain.
Navigating Challenges and Redefining Representation
Lisa’s journey has not been without challenges. Engineering remained male-dominated, particularly during her college years.
“I was the only female in the class from halfway through first year until 3rd year… lecturers and classmates suggested a number of times that I should change course.”
Her early career at EirGrid, however, was transformative – she found a diverse and supportive environment that set the tone for how she views her place in the industry today.
“Based on that support, I have become someone who doesn’t regularly recognise where I am the only female in a room or on a panel… I feel I am there for my expertise, not my gender.”
Lisa is honest about the importance of representation – and equally honest about what meaningful representation looks like.
“There is something damaging about having ‘token females’. There are sufficient highly skilled, intelligent females in our industry for there to be insightful, interesting representation.”
Her message is powerful: women shouldn’t feel like exceptions; they should feel like engineers – full stop.
Why Women in Solar Matter
For Lisa, diversity is not a slogan – it is essential to shaping a just, future-proofed energy system.
“A different view is always welcome… Eliminating any faction of society, or not including them in the process, especially anything that involves a transition, is fundamental.”
As more women move into senior roles, she believes the sector benefits from leadership that drives:
- flexibility
- better work–life balance
- greater awareness of mental and female health
- a more human-centred energy transition
Her perspective reinforces something we hear often through Irish Women in Solar: diverse leadership builds stronger companies, stronger teams, and a stronger renewable future.
Advice for Women Considering a Career in Renewables
Lisa’s advice is direct, informed, and encouraging.
“Do it. It’s varied, it’s interesting and the work is making a better future.”
As a parent, she is also honest about flexibility – something she actively fosters as a leader.
“For any mums out there, there is a lot of flexibility in the industry as they are crying out for trained resources… I strive to provide a supportive environment for staff, especially women.”
From school pickups to health appointments, she believes flexibility fuels loyalty, wellbeing, and long-term success.
She also emphasises the importance of connection and shared learning:
“Being able to talk to other women and learn from those with more experience is very important… Sessions on work–life balance are great.”
Ireland’s Solar Outlook – Hybrid Connections & Private Wires
Lisa sees some of Ireland’s biggest solar opportunities in hybrid connections – using existing grid infrastructure to unlock more renewable generation, faster.
“This is a no-brainer… there needs to be a collaborative approach to solving the issues as this is low-hanging fruit and should be implemented as soon as possible.”
She is also excited about private wires, noting the efficiencies and innovation they can unlock.
And looking ahead, her goal remains to contribute strategically and collaboratively:
“I love having discussions about the market across the value chain… and how I can help to drive change to support the energy transition.”
A Mentor Who Made a Difference
When asked about her biggest role model, Lisa honours someone who shaped her career profoundly:
“Marie Hayden… an inspirational female engineer and a total trailblazer… I fully know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her advice, guidance and encouragement.”
Marie’s mentorship helped Lisa find her technical confidence, recognise her expertise, and take up space in an industry that had not always made that easy.
It’s a powerful reminder of the difference one leader can make.
Lisa Foley’s story is a reminder of what’s possible when technical excellence meets resilience, purpose, and leadership.
She has shaped critical parts of Ireland’s electricity system, supported the integration of new renewable technologies, and become a voice of clarity and expertise in one of the most important transitions of our time.
She is not just part of Ireland’s solar future – she is one of the engineers helping design it.