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Ciara King, Director of HR, Recruitment & Training in Ohk energy
My career began in childcare, where I developed a strong foundation in communication, responsibility, and people-focused leadership. After spending eight years in America, I returned to Ireland and completed a degree in Leadership and Management while working in administration. I then spent two years as Research Officer on the SEUPB Peace Programme Border Roads to Memories and Reconciliation, contributing to cross-border initiatives focused on reconciliation and shared history.
I later moved into the construction industry, spending eight years as Training Manager with Errigal Group, where I led workforce development and built structured training pathways. The diverse experience and knowledge gained across these roles have shaped my leadership approach and ultimately led me to embark on the next chapter of my career within the renewable energy industry.
What inspired me to pursue a career in renewable energy was the sense that I could be part of something both purposeful and transformative. Early in my career, I was drawn to organisations where the work truly mattered, and renewable energy stood out as a sector where commercial success and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Ireland’s commitment to sustainability, supported by organisations like the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, made it clear that renewable energy wasn’t just a trend — it was the future. Whether it’s wind, solar, or emerging clean technologies, I saw an opportunity not only to build teams, but to help shape an industry that would have a lasting impact on our communities and future generations.
From a people perspective, the renewable energy sector is incredibly dynamic. It requires innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to continuously learn as technologies and policies evolve. That really resonated with me as a female leader. I was inspired by the chance to attract diverse talent into a growing industry, create meaningful career pathways across multiple disciplines, and champion greater representation of women in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field.
Ultimately, what keeps me motivated is knowing that the work we do — the teams we build, the training we invest in, the culture we nurture — directly supports our people while contributing to Ireland’s transition to clean energy. It’s a privilege to help shape careers while, at the same time, playing a role in building a more sustainable future.
The milestone I’m most proud of isn’t a single project or title, it’s the people I’ve had the privilege to see grow and succeed.
My greatest achievement has been creating clear pathways for others, whether that’s helping someone enter the solar industry for the first time, supporting a technician to step into leadership, or challenging a high-potential team member to stretch beyond what they thought was possible. Watching someone gain confidence, earn a promotion, or realise their own capability is incredibly rewarding.
I firmly believe we don’t get anything handed to us in this life. Every opportunity is built through hard work, resilience, and smart thinking. Part of my role is to make sure those opportunities exist, to remove unnecessary barriers, provide the right training and mentorship, and then encourage people to take ownership of their own growth. I will always support someone fully, but I will also challenge them to be the best version of themselves.
Success, to me, is not just about organisational growth, it’s about building a culture where ambition is supported, effort is recognised, and people understand that with dedication and the right mindset, so much is achievable. Seeing others thrive is, without question, my proudest accomplishment.
One standout achievement that reflects this ethos was when we at Ohk energy received the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative Award at the Irish Renewable Energy Awards last year for our autism awareness and inclusivity programme. While many people are aware of the challenges parents of young children with autism face across our island, less attention is often given to the barriers young adults with autism encounter when trying to enter the world of work. We made a conscious decision to open our doors, implement the right structures and supports, and create a safe, structured environment where neurodiverse young adults can truly thrive. Providing a secure foundation for them to build meaningful careers, and seeing them shine within our team, is something I am particularly proud of.
Working in the renewable energy sector, like many technical industries, has meant that I’ve often found myself as one of the few women around the table. That can feel daunting at times, particularly early in your career when you’re still building confidence as well as credibility.
Yes, as women in this industry we need to be strong. But strength doesn’t always mean being the loudest voice, sometimes it means being the most prepared, the most consistent, and the most grounded.
A wise man once told me, “knowledge is power,” and that advice has stayed with me throughout my career. I took it to heart. I invested in understanding not just my role or department but the commercial drivers of the business, the technical aspects of the sector, and the broader energy landscape. When you truly understand your industry, you don’t have to demand respect, you earn it naturally.
Of course, there have been moments of challenge, times when I’ve had to gently but firmly assert my perspective, or where I’ve had to prove capability rather than have it assumed. But I’ve approached those moments with calm confidence and professionalism. Over time, consistency builds trust.
What’s helped me most is remembering that leadership is not about fitting into someone else’s mould. It’s about leading authentically, with empathy, clarity, and conviction. I’ve learned that you can be warm and supportive while also being decisive and commercially focused.
And perhaps most importantly, I’ve tried to ensure that the path feels a little easier for the women coming behind me. By championing development, encouraging confidence, and sharing knowledge openly, we strengthen not just ourselves, but the entire industry.
The challenges have shaped me, but they’ve also strengthened my belief that with knowledge, resilience, and the courage to back yourself, there is space for all of us to lead and succeed.
I truly believe having more women in the renewable energy sector isn’t just important, it’s essential for the future of the industry.
Renewable Energy is about innovation, long-term thinking, and building sustainable solutions for communities. To do that well, we need diversity of thought, experience, and perspective. When women are part of the conversation, at every level, from apprentices to senior leadership, decisions are more balanced, teams are more collaborative, and businesses are stronger.
From a HR and leadership perspective, I’ve seen firsthand how diverse teams perform better. They challenge each other in healthy ways, approach problems differently, and ultimately create more rounded solutions. Representation also matters deeply. When young women can see others thriving in technical, operational, and leadership roles within solar, it expands what they believe is possible for themselves.
On a more human level, the energy transition affects everyone, our homes, our families, and our communities. It makes sense that the workforce shaping that transition reflects the society it serves.
For me, encouraging more women into solar is about opportunity and fairness, but it’s also about unlocking potential. There is so much untapped talent out there. When we actively welcome women into the sector, support their development, and create inclusive environments, we’re not just doing the right thing, we’re strengthening the entire industry.
And ultimately, the more diverse our voices, the brighter our future will be.
My advice would be simple: Go for it!
Whether you’re just finishing school and thinking about your first career step, or you’re considering a new challenge or even a complete career change, renewable energy has space for you. This sector is evolving so quickly that fresh perspectives and transferable skills are incredibly valuable. You don’t need to have started in energy to thrive in it.
One of the things I love most about this industry is that every day is a learning day. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and yes, it can be challenging. But it’s also deeply rewarding. You’re part of something bigger than yourself, contributing to a more sustainable future while building a meaningful career.
I always remind women that there is nothing we cannot do. Sometimes we underestimate just how capable we are. Skills from other industries, leadership, organisation, communication, problem-solving, resilience, are absolutely transferable. Confidence grows with experience, and experience comes from taking that first step.
Be curious. Be open to learning. Back yourself. Ask questions. And don’t wait until you feel 100% ready, growth happens when we stretch ourselves.
Renewable energy is a sector full of opportunity, purpose, and possibility. If you’re considering it, take the leap. You might just surprise yourself with how far you can go.
Every business and organisation in the sector have such a meaningful role to play in supporting women, not just professionally, but personally too. When women feel seen, supported and connected, it changes everything.
One of the most powerful things that we can continue to do is simply shine a light on real stories. When we share honest career journeys , the wins, the doubts, the setbacks and the breakthroughs, it reminds other women that they are not alone and that success doesn’t follow one single path.
Mentorship is another really important way to create impact. There is something incredibly powerful about one woman encouraging another, sharing knowledge, offering guidance, or simply saying, “You can do this.” Those relationships build confidence in a way that no policy ever could.
At its heart, support is about community. If renewable energy businesses keep nurturing that sense of connection, encouragement and opportunity, they won’t just help women progress, they’ll help build an industry where everyone feels they truly belong.
There are so many exciting opportunities for growth in renewable energy here in Ireland, and it truly feels like we’re still at the beginning of an incredible journey. Ireland’s renewable energy capacity has grown significantly in recent years, yet we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible. With ambitious government and industry targets for 2030, there is huge scope for continued expansion of large-scale solar, rooftop generation, battery storage, heat pump adoption, and smarter grid infrastructure to support a cleaner, more resilient energy system.
One of the most exciting opportunities lies in the integration of renewable technologies within homes and businesses. The growth of heat pumps, alongside solar PV and energy storage, is transforming how buildings are powered and heated. Programmes such as the One Stop Shop retrofit scheme and the Warmer Homes Scheme, are making it easier for homeowners to undertake deep energy upgrades. These initiatives are not only reducing carbon emissions, but improving comfort, lowering long-term energy costs, and enhancing property value.
What has been especially heartening is the momentum at grassroots level. More homeowners, community groups, and small businesses are embracing renewable solutions not just to reduce emissions, but to gain greater energy independence and long-term cost stability. The shift toward whole-home retrofits, combining insulation, solar PV, and heat pumps, represents a more holistic and future-focused approach to energy.
Renewable energy growth isn’t just about clean power; it’s about people and livelihoods too. Continued expansion across solar deployment, retrofit programmes, and low-carbon heating is expected to support thousands of jobs across planning, engineering, installation, operations, and maintenance, while contributing significantly to regional development and the wider Irish economy.
Ireland’s renewable energy sector has enormous room to grow, and the opportunities for people, businesses, communities, and the next generation of women leaders are both significant and energising.
Seeing more homes, farms, schools, and small businesses embracing renewable technologies, whether that’s solar PV, heat pumps, or deep retrofit upgrades — feels like a real shift in mindset. Supported by initiatives from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, energy is no longer something that just “comes from somewhere else.” People are becoming active participants in how it’s generated, managed, and consumed. There’s something incredibly empowering about that.
One of the most exciting trends is the integration of technologies into complete energy systems. The combination of solar, battery storage, smart energy management, improved insulation, and heat pumps is transforming buildings into highly efficient, low-carbon environments. The ability to store excess renewable electricity and use it when demand is highest makes these systems more practical, resilient, and cost-effective for Irish homes and businesses. It’s a game changer in terms of efficiency, comfort, and energy independence.
From a people perspective, what excites me most is how these innovations are creating entirely new roles and skill sets within the industry. As renewable technologies evolve, so too does the need for training, upskilling, and strong leadership. It keeps the sector dynamic, future-focused, and full of opportunity — not just for engineers and installers, but for planners, educators, project managers, and the next generation of diverse talent entering the field.
That combination of technological progress and human potential is what makes renewable energy such an inspiring space to be part of.
As the Director of HR, Recruitment and Training at Ohk energy, my focus will continue to be on building strong, diverse, and capable teams who can drive the industry forward. I want to create pathways that allow more women, and more underrepresented talent, to see themselves thriving in renewable energy, and to support them every step of the way. Mentorship, training, and inclusive workplace culture will always be central to that mission.
Ohk energy embraces forward thinking and planning for the future. Our company is made up of real people, serving real families and real communities who are facing very real cost-of-living pressures. That perspective shapes how we innovate. We are focused on delivering practical, everyday solutions that make renewable energy accessible, reliable, and financially meaningful for households. Initiatives like our Storm Connect system are designed with that in mind — integrating technologies in a way that maximises efficiency, strengthens energy resilience, and gives customers greater control over their energy use and costs. It’s about turning renewable ambition into real-life impact.
I also hope to help shape a culture where learning never stops. The renewable energy sector is fast-moving and full of innovation, so fostering curiosity, resilience, and confidence in people will be key. When teams feel supported and inspired, they take bold steps, push boundaries, and achieve outcomes that go far beyond the ordinary.
Ultimately, I want to leave a mark by ensuring that Ireland’s renewable energy sector isn’t just growing in capacity, but also in strength, inclusivity, and sustainability, a sector where talented people are nurtured, opportunities are real, and everyone feels empowered to contribute to a cleaner, brighter future.
My biggest mentor in the renewable energy industry, without question, has been the CEO of Ohk energy, Conor Foley. His approach has had a profound impact on how I lead and support others.
What I admire most is his ability to give people the tools they need to become the best version of themselves, to grow into strong business owners and leaders in their own right. He shares knowledge generously, fosters an inclusive environment, and exudes a quiet confidence that comes from truly seeing someone’s potential and helping them realise it.
That combination of guidance, trust, and empowerment is rare, and it’s exactly the kind of leadership I hope to emulate and encourage across the industry. Leaders like Conor don’t just build successful companies, they build people, and in doing so, they build the future of the sector itself.
Empowering, evolving, purposeful.
Each word reflects a key part of my journey: empowering others to reach their potential, evolving constantly alongside a fast-moving industry, and finding purpose in contributing to a sustainable future.
