MEP for Ireland south Séan Kelly has been awarded the 2022 Energy Solutions Award in recognition of his work on supporting sustainable decarbonisation through policy.

The Fine Gael MEP received the accolade alongside a Green MEP from Finland Ville Niinistö on Friday (July 15). Speaking about receiving the award after the ceremony, Kelly said:

Kelly has been involved in a number of key policy areas and works on a number of committees within the European Parliament. These include the Research and Energy Committee, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), and the Renewable Energy Directive.

"I am currently lead author for my group, the EPP, of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

Under the EPBD, the EU plans to renovate up to 35 million buildings by 2030 as part of the strategy to meet climate targets. Kelly outlined that focusing on the energy efficiency of building stock is "vital, if we are to achieve climate neutrality by 2050".

He also said that this process will create jos and opportunities for young people across the continent. However, the MEP said there is still much to be done in relation to sustainable energy, which is now more important than ever.

"I hope that the continued work of my colleagues and I in this critical policy area will put Europe on a sound footing for the achievement of our climate goals in the years to come," Kelly concluded.