Q. Tell us your background and when you first became interested in energy?
A: I grew up in Ballinderry, which is a small rural village surrounded by scenic countryside on the western shores of Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland. Like most rural areas in Northern Ireland, there was, and still is, a reliance on fossil fuels to heat homes, generate electricity and power vehicles.

That dependence contributed to environmental concerns; however, these were often overshadowed by political and social unrest, until the 1990s when environmental campaigns emerged. For example, organisations such as Friends of the Earth focused on campaigns related to environmental issues like protecting Lough Neagh, and advocating for safe energy and renewable energy, along with broader global issues like climate change.

I was intrigued by these campaigns and knew from then that I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to contribute to social good and create a positive impact.

Q. How did you first hear about the Energy Institute and what motivated you to join?
A: I first learned about the Energy Institute while studying for my master’s degree in sustainable development at Queens University Belfast, utilising the library of industry technical guidelines, which are produced globally, to assist with my research projects. Since then, the resources available continued to support my career as a project manager, for example EI guidance assisted me with the development of a technical report examining alternative fuels for transport in Northern Ireland.

After my master’s I obtained employment in several project focused roles. I worked for the Education Authority in Northern Ireland, followed by a food manufacturing company and then an environmental consultancy, before pursuing a career at the EI.

The role being offered at the EI concentrated on wind energy and health and safety – two topics I wanted to focus more on as part of my career and also put into practice what I had studied hard for in my degree. I knew the role would open doors, give me more opportunities to grow and learn. Ireland is a small country, and Belfast a small city. I found at that time (six years ago) that jobs in renewables were few and far between. London offers much more economic opportunities, and a lot of Irish move for that reason.

Q. Tell us about your current job, and industry and how your work is contributing toward a just transition to net zero? 
A: As a technical manager at the Energy Institute, I am responsible for managing SafetyOn and leading the Secretariat team (provided by the Energy Institute) that supports its work. A key aspect of the job is facilitating collaboration, bringing members (company and technical) together with regulators, other industries and academia.

The UK has 15.5 GW of onshore wind capacity in operation – enough to power 10.9 million homes. Renewables have overtaken fossil fuels as the largest source of power in the UK, and onshore wind is playing a central role in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. However, as with any industry, growth must be coupled with robust HSE practices to ensure the wellbeing of employees, safeguard the environment and provide operational efficiency. SafetyOn is playing a pivotal role in the safe deployment and operational efficiency of UK onshore wind generation.

The most enjoyable aspect of my job is working as a team with colleagues and members, and seeing the positive impact of our work through a reduction in health and safety incidents in the UK onshore wind industry.

Over my time, SafetyOn has grown from 18 members to over 100; this includes full members and associate members. In that time SafetyOn has published 15 good practice documents and five annual data reports, and held numerous Safe by Design workshops bringing industry and key stakeholders together. For an organisation run by members and supported by the EI, SafetyOn has done a lot in a short timeframe. I’m proud of that.

Coming up is the publication of our annual Health and Safety Incident Data report on 5 June, and the annual stakeholder forum on 4 December at EICC Edinburgh. Also in autumn is the first SafetyOn event in Ireland, the first new country which SafetyOn (previously solely a UK organisation) has expanded into.

Q. How has being an AMEI benefitted you in your career?
A: Since becoming a member, I have gained access to unique insights, networking opportunities, knowledge resources and professional recognition opportunities – and I am looking forward to working towards chartered status.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author only and are not necessarily given or endorsed by or on behalf of the Energy Institute.

If you’re keen to follow in Emma’s footsteps, click here to find more about how to become an Associate Member of the Energy Institute (AMEI).