Fermoy’s Oliver Hearn has been shortlisted for Engineers Ireland’s Chartered Engineer of the Year Award, supported by Arup.
The professional title of Chartered Engineer, considered to be the gold standard of the profession, was established in Ireland over 50 years ago. Within the Republic of Ireland, Engineers Ireland is the sole authority to award the title, which is granted to professional engineers who, through a rigorous review process, have shown their ability to apply their professional competencies in the workplace.
From Fermoy, Oliver has worked in the renewable energy industry and the university sector for 15 years. He is one of five Chartered Engineers shortlisted for prestigious award, with the competition final being held in Engineers Ireland’s headquarters in Ballsbridge, Dublin on Wednesday, 18 October.
Commenting on his shortlisting, Oliver said that he is ‘delighted’ to have been nominated and ‘honoured’ to have been shortlisted to the final five.
“I would like to thank my partner Marcia and daughter Ava for their constant support throughout the process and my parents who encouraged me to pursue engineering,” Mr Hearn said. “A special mention to my colleagues at Natural Power who are helping to create a world powered by renewable energy, my former colleagues at Munster Technological University and my Chartered Engineer application supporters who have provided guidance throughout.”
“I look forward to showcasing my work on the design and development of 110 kV substations which are used to integrate large renewable energy projects into the national electricity transmission grid”.
FOCUS ON RENEWABLE ENERGY
Oliver currently serves as a Senior Electrical Engineer at Natural Power in Dublin, where his responsibilities include providing electrical engineering, grid advisory, and project management services to clients across various technologies, including wind energy, solar PV and battery projects. His passion for renewable energy is evident through his accomplishments.
Oliver has made appearances on prime-time TV in Ireland, authored articles on wind energy for print media, and delivered lectures to universities, industry bodies and state agencies. He has also volunteered his time to promote wind energy and engineering in schools.
Additionally, Mr Hearn is an active member of several Wind Energy Ireland working groups dedicated to driving positive change in the industry and helping Ireland reach its 2030 renewable energy targets.
Congratulating those shortlisted, Joe Burns, Ireland Country Leader at Arup, commented: “We are proud to partner with Engineers Ireland to support the Chartered Engineer of the Year Award. This award celebrates the accomplishments of engineers who design, create and innovate to shape a better world. On behalf of Arup, I would like to extend my congratulations to each finalist shortlisted for this year’s award.”
While Daniel Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland extended his congratulations to the finalists.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to Oliver and to each of the finalists on being shortlisted for this year’s Chartered Engineer of the Year Award and I also thank Arup for their continued support of this award,” he said.
