Meet the team: Diarmuid O’Connor

We would like to introduce everyone to Diarmuid O’Connor our EU & Funding Programme Manager , we're talking cyber security, research funding and all things triathlon.

What do you do at Lightsource Labs?

Manage funding proposals & projects

Why did you join Lightsource Labs?

I have a background in marine science and have always had an interest in renewables. I worked for several years at a marine operations company which ran the Irish national test and demonstration facility for innovative marine devices including ocean energy devices. I then moved to a team lead position within the Irish Marine Institute where I managed several marine infrastructure projects, funded via H2020 research projects. As well as renewables I have always had a keen interest in innovative technology and managed the Irish national Argo programme while at the Marine Institute, eventually being voted vice-chair of the European Argo management board in 2017.

Renewables and solar PV is an ever increasing market and I really like the combination of solar PV and innovation that Lightsource Labs is taking by incorporating machine learning and weather forecasting into its smart system, allowing users get the maximum efficiency from their solar PV setup.

Having seen the potential benefits of being involved in a successful EU funded R&D consortia I hope to bring this experience to Lightsource. Lightsource has significant potential across several of the EUs cross-cutting programmes from Energy to ICT and I hope that over the coming months we can be successful in some very innovative funding proposals.

What are you working on right now?

Working with our team using Lightsource’s cloud systems to trial Cyber Security applications as part of EC funded H2020 projects. Cyber Security is becoming such a crucial part of any service offering and Lightsource will be able to add to its already significant security via participation in these types of research projects.  

What is the best part of your job?

Getting to meet innovative people and organisations based in and around the renewable energy sector and its supply chain.  I also love seeing the tangible aspects of the industry while just out and about; such a solar PV installs on buildings and the ever increasing amount of EV car charging stations.

What's the most challenging part of your job?

Trying to lock down research funding! We are lucky enough to have been part of 2 successful H2020 projects but we are now looking ahead to Horizon Europe and becoming involved in successful consortia to further our R&D work within the renewable and ICT sectors.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?

Throughout 2016 and 2017 I represented Ireland at the European and World Duathlon Championships in German & Spain as well as the World Triathlon Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Triathlon: Swim, Bike & Run!

I love anything to do with being on the water; swimming, sailing or just out on any boat I can get access to!

Any final thoughts or messages for those either in the industry or those thinking of joining the industry?

I’d highly recommend anyone thinking about joining the industry to take the leap! Everyone I have encountered in Lightsource as well as the wider solar community have been extremely positive about the industry and brilliant to work with. The solar renewable sector is growing significantly and it’s great to see tangible aspects of the sector being installed at an increasing rate.