Announcement of the Recipient for the 2025 Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Scholarship
The Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Bursary, an annual award that provides €10,000 to individuals studying or conducting research in the fields of renewable energy and climate action in Ireland, has announced its 2025 recipient - Anna Connors, a student from Ballinalee, Co. Longford.
Administered by Wind Energy Ireland and funded by Arthur Cox LLP, the bursary was established in memory of Niamh Burke, a respected energy lawyer who made significant contributions to the Irish wind energy sector during her 20-year career.
Anna Connors, who will commence her Master’s degree in Energy Systems Engineering at the University of Galway in September 2025, plans to focus her academic work on the feasibility of harnessing offshore wind and wave energy to help meet Ireland's increasing energy demands.
Niamh McGovern, Partner and Head of Energy at Arthur Cox LLP, expressed delight in supporting Anna as the recipient of the bursary, stating, "Anna embodies the passion and commitment that Niamh Burke demonstrated throughout her career. We are proud to support her academic journey and the future of the renewable energy sector in Ireland."
Anna Connors expressed her gratitude for being awarded the bursary, viewing it as an acknowledgement of her potential in Ireland's energy sector. She found a quick interest in the renewable energy side of engineering and is eager to contribute to the growth and innovation of the wind energy sector and the wider renewable energy landscape in Ireland.
Lisa-Anne Crookes, Communications Manager at Wind Energy Ireland, emphasized the growing number of jobs in wind energy in Ireland, stating, "Bursaries like the Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Bursary help support and champion the next generation of leaders in sustainability and climate action."
The Wind Energy Ireland website provides information on careers in the wind energy industry, offering valuable resources for those looking to join the sector. Anna Connors sees the bursary as a means to continue Niamh Burke's legacy in furthering renewable energy study and innovation.
As Ireland works towards reducing emissions and expanding renewable energy sources, particularly in wind energy, the Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Bursary serves as both a memorial and a catalyst to foster talent that will drive the Irish renewable energy sector forward.
Anna Connors, with her focus on energy systems engineering and plans to explore offshore wind and wave energy, is utilizing technology to drive her education and self-development in the renewable energy sector. Niamh McGovern, in expressing delight about supporting Anna's academic journey, highlights the importance of technology in education and self-development, particularly in the field of renewable energy.
