Latest news with #MichaelMahon
Calgary Herald
21-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Alberta Innovates braces for 'significant' funding cuts as annual conference kicks off at BMO Centre
Calgary's BMO Centre was buzzing on Wednesday as thousands of people, including entrepreneurs, investors and innovators gathered for Inventures 2025, Alberta Innovates' flagship conference focusing on fostering collaboration and global partnerships in technology and innovation. Article content Article content The three-day event, running May 21 to 23, comes at a pivotal time for Alberta Innovates, as the provincial government prepares to cut its funding to the agency by nearly 30 per cent over the next two years — a roughly $60-million annual reduction that CEO Michael Mahon called 'fairly significant.' Article content Article content Despite the looming cuts, Mahon sounded optimistic about the organization's future as it prepares to unveil a new strategic direction later this week. Article content Article content 'Innovation evolves, our ecosystem changes, and so our programs need to change in response to that,' said Mahon on his first day as permanent CEO, after serving in an interim capacity since last summer. 'Our programs are really meant to respond to that evolution and to ensure that the funding that we provide is focused in areas that really are areas that are going to help push and pull Alberta along.' Article content Provincial funding is set to fall from $197.6 million in 2025-26 to $137 million in 2026-27, before dropping further to $131.5 million in 2027–28. That includes a $20-million reduction in project-specific grant funding starting in 2026-27. Article content Mahon said the cuts present an opportunity for the agency to focus on high-impact areas and diversify funding sources, noting his organization is not alone in seeing its funding slashed. 'This is not singling out Alberta Innovates,' he said. 'This is the reality of the world that we're in at this moment — that we have challenges from an economic standpoint.' Article content Article content Alberta Innovates is set to unveil a new strategic plan on Friday — the result of an 11-month review of all Alberta Innovates programs, led by Mahon, that he said will see some initiatives being scaled back or phased out. Article content 'Part of our responsibility as an organization is to . . . look at new ways to do what we do to make sure that we're doubling down on the areas that are most important, but also look for new funding sources to help to support the innovation ecosystem,' he said. 'What I've been asked to do in this next phase of my journey (as permanent CEO) is to help bring that strategy to life.'
The Journal
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Planning permission granted for two key infrastructure projects in the upgrade of Ireland's electricity grid
An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for two key infrastructure projects being developed by EirGrid: the Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade and the East Meath-North Dublin Grid Upgrade. This represents a significant step towards meeting Ireland's growing demand for electricity, which is being driven by factors such as the rise in the electrification of heat and transport. Most importantly, these vital upgrades will be integral to delivering on Ireland's climate targets – a priority for the operator. EirGrid's key objective is to develop, manage, and operate the national electricity grid. Eirgrid is also currently working to decarbonise the grid in order to reach the Government's Climate Action Plan target for 80% of electricity to come from renewable sources. Delivering new grid infrastructure is recognised as critical to enabling new housing delivery across Ireland. This means much of daily life in Ireland needs the progression of key infrastructure projects such as these. Welcoming the positive planning outcome, EirGrid's Chief Infrastructure Officer, Michael Mahon, said: 'We at EirGrid are currently progressing the most ambitious programme of work ever taken on the transmission system in Ireland, and this will see upgrades and new infrastructure right across the country, as well as bringing us closer to the Government's renewable ambitions.' 'Renewable energy is fundamental in unlocking greater energy independence and security, as well as economic growth and the development of a stronger society,' Mahon continued. 'The Programme for Government puts emphasis on prioritising the delivery of essential infrastructure projects, including energy, and makes a commitment to prioritise investment in the electricity system. Advertisement 'EirGrid will continue to do its part to support and facilitate the timely delivery of new infrastructure in the electricity transmission system.' Planning permission for the Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade and the East Meath-North Dublin Grid Upgrade comes after an extensive period of consultation and engagement with communities and stakeholders in the project areas. Mr. Mahon added: 'These areas in question are amongst the most rapidly growing in the country, and improved infrastructure is critical to support this rise in energy demand. 'We look forward to continuing to engage with stakeholders in the region as we progress these projects.' The recent planning approvals for these two key projects demonstrate real progress in moving towards national climate ambitions, while continuing to deliver a reliable electricity supply to communities. For more information about EirGrid, visit their website
