Galetech Group, the renewable energy services and development business, will create 65 high-value jobs over the next three years as part of a major business expansion to double the size of the business.
The Cavan-based company is on track to deliver a 1,000 megawatt (MW) development pipeline of renewables projects in wind and battery storage, while simultaneously expanding into a range of new international markets such as the UK, Africa and Australia.
At the same time, Galetech Group is progressing longer-term hydrogen storage solutions as well as investing in leading-edge new technologies such as e-Fuels, a synthetic fuel solution produced from renewable energy that will be critical for difficult to decarbonise sectors like aviation.
With the support of Enterprise Ireland, Galetech Group will create 65 new high-value jobs, bringing the overall team to 215 members which will facilitate this ambitious expansion strategy, including new roles in engineering, planning, design, technical support, sales and business support in HR, finance and IT.
Founded in 2000, Galetech Group currently employs more than 150 staff across its business units in in renewable energy development, project management, maintenance and repair services, and sustainable buildings. Over the past 25 years, the company has established itself as a key player in renewable energy development, successfully delivering more than 650 MWs of wind energy projects through a combination of joint ventures and development partnerships.
At the same time, Galetech Group has consolidated a market-leading energy services division, which provides integrated asset management, operation and maintenance, diagnostics and project management services to clients across Ireland and the UK, including customers such as Statkraft, Bord na Móna, Orsted, SSE, Energia and General Electric.
The company is currently progressing a 1,000 MW development pipeline of wind, solar and energy storage projects in Ireland and the UK, including 600 MWs of onshore wind in active development, as well as longer term projects in the offshore hydrogen storage space.
Galetech Group is also pioneering the development of sustainable e-Fuels, which are synthetic, drop-in replacements for fossil-derived fuels produced using renewable energy, water and C02. The company plans to establish a 1 MW e-Fuels pilot plant in Ireland in anticipation of a significant rise in demand for e-Fuels from the aviation sector as part of rising EU mandates for synthetic aviation fuels.
A core part of Galetech Group’s growth strategy will be continued expansion into international markets such as Africa, Australia and particularly the UK, where the revised policy landscape under the current government actively supports investment in renewables and battery storage.
Commenting on the business expansion announcement, Darren Sherry, CEO of Galetech Group, said: "With the global energy transition moving into a critical phase, Galetech Group is ready to play its part, which is why we’re progressing a 1,000 MW development pipeline and also investing in emerging technologies like e-Fuels.”
"Just like our food industry exports finished products all over the world, at Galetech we believe it’s essential for Ireland to invest in these emerging technologies so we can add value to the renewable energy produced on this island, rather than simply exporting electricity to neighbouring markets. This is the biggest opportunity for the green economy, particularly if we can develop solutions for difficult to decarbonise sectors such as aviation."
Niamh Smyth TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with special responsibility for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, added: "Today’s announcement from Galetech Group is a major vote of confidence in Cavan and Ireland as a hub for innovation and green energy. It is fantastic to see a locally founded company, not only creating 65 high-quality jobs right here in the region but also leading the charge in new frontiers like e-Fuels and expanding into global markets such as the UK and Australia."
"Galetech’s success story highlights the ambition and talent we have in County Cavan, and I commend them for their vision and commitment to sustainable growth.”
