ROLE PLAYERS 2019 - Dr. Matt Kennedy


Dr. Matt Kennedy

Head of Strategy & Business
International Energy Research Centre (IERC)

Dr. Matt Kennedy is a recognised energy policy maker with a strong track record of successfully building collaborative relationships between industry and academia. Matt heads the strategy and business function for the International Energy Research Centre, an Irish Government supported technology centre. Prior to this role Matt led national and international energy R&D initiatives for the past decade on behalf of the Irish Government.

Matt held the position of Senior Advisor on energy and climate issues and delivered the SEAI strategy 2010-2015. Internationally, Matt has developed an international energy profile as the Chair of a collaborative group of 10 OECD (IEA) countries that pooled finance for research collaborative activities. Matt negotiated on technology transfer, IP and trade issues on behalf of the EU at COP 21 in Paris. Matt works with developing countries as the Chair of the UN's Climate Technology Centre and Network in Copenhagen, and the Chair of the Programme Board of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) in Vienna. Matt has a PhD from Trinity College Dublin, MBA from University College Dublin and MA from NUI Galway. He has participated on the US International Visitor Leadership Programme and has a Certificate in R&D from INSEAD in Paris.