NTR and Natural Power’s work together at Hazelboro Solar has secured a place on the shortlist at the Renewable Energy Awards Ireland 2026 – , while Ross Cooper, one of our Senior Project Managers, has been shortlisted for Young Industry Person of the Year.
The Renewable Energy Awards, delivered by Wind Energy Ireland, Solar Ireland and Energy Storage Ireland, recognise the people, projects and organisations contributing to Ireland’s renewable energy transition. The 2026 awards ceremony will take place at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on 26th November 2026.
Hazelboro Solar has been recognised for the quality of its design and delivery, with NTR working alongside Natural Power, which provided owner’s engineer support throughout. The project adopted a site-specific, optimisation-led design approach, supported by rigorous quality assurance and quality control, comprehensive testing and commissioning, and a strong focus on long-term operability and maintainability.
Testing and commissioning were ongoing at the time of the award submission, with the project expected to power approximately 13,000 households per year and meet expected performance benchmarks for Irish utility-scale solar. The project is also expected to offset approximately 11,600 tonnes of CO₂ annually, while contributing to Ireland’s renewable generation capacity and energy security.
Tim Moir-Ford, Senior Project Manager at Natural Power, said: “Hazelboro Solar is a great example of what can be achieved when strong technical oversight is combined with a considered, site-specific approach to project delivery. The focus throughout has been on quality, performance and long-term asset value, and it has been a privilege to work alongside NTR and the wider project team to deliver a high-quality utility-scale solar project for Ireland.”
Damien Culloty, Programme Manager, Hazelboro Solar, said: “Hazelboro Solar is a strong example of the benefits of a collaborative approach to project delivery. NTR has worked closely with Natural Power and the wider project team throughout construction, with a shared focus on quality, performance and delivering a high-quality renewable energy asset. We are delighted to see the work of the full project team recognised through this shortlisting.”
Ross Cooper’s shortlisting recognises his contribution to Ireland’s renewable energy sector during a seven-year career spanning wind, solar, battery energy storage and district heating projects in Ireland, the UK and Australia. His experience includes project management and owner’s engineer roles, with particular expertise in grid connection, planning compliance, construction delivery and stakeholder coordination.
Ross has played a key role in several significant renewable energy projects in Ireland, including Taghart Wind Farm, Millvale Solar Farm and Cushaling Wind Farm and BESS. He is currently acting as owner’s engineer project manager for Kilcush Solar Farm, which will connect to the Cushaling Wind Farm substation, combining solar, wind and battery storage at a single grid connection point.
Neil Mullan, Associate Director of Construction at Natural Power, said: “Ross has taken on significant responsibility early in his career and has consistently demonstrated the technical capability, leadership and practical approach needed to deliver complex renewable energy projects. His contribution to some of Ireland’s landmark projects, combined with his commitment to developing his skills and supporting colleagues, makes this shortlisting a well-deserved recognition of his achievements.”
The two nominations reflect the contribution of Natural Power and NTR to Ireland’s renewable energy sector, alongside Natural Power’s continued focus on developing the next generation of industry professionals.