VOLTCLUB: RENEWABLE ENERGY DIRECT FROM THE SOURCE
Established by James Goldsmith (CEO) and Shane Conneely (COO), Voltclub develop and build renewable energy projects and networks on behalf of large multinational businesses in Ireland. We spoke with James and Shane about Voltclub’s unique offering to Ireland’s renewable energy market.
Why is green innovation so important today?
Ireland boasts exceptional renewable resources. Despite being a small nation we have demonstrated a remarkable ability to enact broad change that has impacts beyond our own borders, and there exists a tangible opportunity to extend this influence into the realm of renewable energy. Our significant resource and broad base of multinational companies mean that we can showcase to the world the feasibility of achieving energy independence.
What sustainability issue or challenge is your business addressing?
Our primary goal is to shift Ireland’s energy consumption towards renewable sources, with the aim of powering the nation predominantly through green electricity. Our renewable energy networks interconnect wind, solar power and battery storage to provide green electricity to our customers through a purpose-built electricity network. By doing this we support their sustainable goals and reduce their grid dependence.
What are your plans for growth in Ireland and overseas?
We have just completed our first portfolio of grid-scale projects which are moving into construction and have some really exciting projects in the works with some of Ireland’s leading businesses in the technology and pharmaceutical space. Our goal is to utilise our projects in Ireland to demonstrate to multinational corporations the efficacy of transitioning to self-sufficient green energy production.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since starting your company?
At inception you lack the resources, network, funding and team to tackle major projects head-on. Our approach has been to start with the customer and to bring them through the process with us from early feasibility all the way through to completed project. Finding customers who are willing to go on the journey with you is the hardest part, but if their problem is big enough they are willing to take the chance. Each new project is accompanied by opportunities for learning and making mistakes. Adapting to this can be quite uncomfortable, and the unpredictable nature of the journey can be mentally exhausting.
What advice would you have for other budding entrepreneurs?
Embrace action over perfection. Your initial idea will be wrong so don’t get too caught up in meticulously planning every detail. The goal as an entrepreneur is to stay in the game long enough to solve the big problem that your customer has. Small pieces of work keep you afloat in the early days and build invaluable trust in the long term to land the big projects.
What do you hope to gain most from participating in the Accelerate Green Programme?
The key reason for our participation in Accelerate Green is the excellent networking opportunities. Having the opportunity to discuss our thinking with like-minded business owners in the agri-tech, transport and sustainable building spaces has been so valuable.
The learnings from other industries and business leaders on effective business leadership and management has really helped us to move our thinking to the next level. We really can’t recommend it enough.
Voltclub is currently participating in
Bord na Móna’s 2024 Accelerate Green Programme.
This leading accelerator programme, delivered by Bord na Móna in conjunction with Resolve Partners, is dedicated to scaling early-stage enterprises, SMEs and start-ups that are leading the response to climate action and sustainability. For further information about the Accelerate Green Programme, visit accelerategreen.ie