Longstanding advocate for the Irish anaerobic digestion (AD) industry PJ McCarthy is set to step down as CEO of the Renewable Gas Forum of Ireland (RGFI), as the organisation announces changes to its leadership.
McCarthy will transition into a new role as head of strategy and policy, where he will continue to lead RGFI’s engagement on national and European policy. This includes his ongoing position on the European Biogas Association Board.
RGFI chair Sean Campbell said: “PJ has played a pivotal role in establishing RGFI as the trusted and professional voice of renewable gas in Ireland. We are delighted that he will continue to guide our strategic and policy direction.”
McCarthy has also been active elsewhere in the renewables industry.
Last April, Soleil Renewables, a company headed by McCarthy, began construction of a 217MW solar farm and is expected to move forward with a 500ac solar project in Cork with German-headquartered partner ILOS Energy, which has secured a €143m finance facility for the development.
Interim CEO appointment
The RGFI board has appointed Nick Bennett as interim CEO, effective immediately.
A long-standing member of RGFI, Bennett brings experience from the food and beverages sector, having served as group procurement and supply chain director with both Diageo and Glanbia plc.
These leadership changes come at a critical time for the sector, as AD projects move into construction, new capital supports are anticipated and key regulatory frameworks are taking form.
RGFI stated that the board has initiated a full strategic review and intends to appoint a permanent CEO by Q3 2026.
In the interim, the RGFI will support the rollout of the BIOMAPE programme, a European initiative spanning eight countries, awarded to RGFI to accelerate AD project development, capacity building, and investment readiness in Ireland.
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