Renewables consultancy Natural Power has bolstered its global leadership team with the appointment of Matthew Kelly as director of operations and asset management. Kelly, who joined the company in December 2024 as head of asset management, brings over a decade of experience in the renewables sector, with a portfolio spanning 4.5GW of wind, solar, and storage projects. His career with Natural Power began in 2014 and 2015, where he served as a wind farm site manager.
Ciaran Farrell, managing director at Natural Power, expressed enthusiasm about Kelly’s appointment. “Matthew brings an outstanding depth of experience across the full spectrum of renewable technologies,” Farrell said. “His strategic insight and operational expertise will be instrumental in driving forward our commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and high-performing renewable energy assets for our clients worldwide.”
Kelly’s return to Natural Power marks a significant step in his career. “It’s a real privilege to step into this role and lead such a talented, committed team,” Kelly remarked. “Having seen the business evolve over the years, I’m excited to help shape the next phase of our operations and asset management strategy. With a strong focus on safety, performance, and innovation, we’re well placed to support our clients in achieving the best from their assets and accelerating the global transition to renewable energy.”
Natural Power’s operations and asset management department offers comprehensive support to maximize the performance, reliability, and compliance of renewable energy assets globally. The company achieves this through an integrated approach, combining specialist office and field-based teams to provide client-focused services.
This strategic appointment comes at a pivotal time for the renewables sector, as the industry grapples with the challenges of scaling up operations while maintaining safety and performance standards. Kelly’s extensive experience and proven track record suggest that Natural Power is positioning itself to navigate these challenges effectively. His leadership could also influence broader industry practices, particularly in the areas of asset management and operational excellence.
As the renewables sector continues to grow, the demand for skilled professionals with cross-technology expertise is likely to increase. Kelly’s appointment underscores the value of such expertise in driving operational efficiency and innovation. Moreover, his focus on safety and performance aligns with the sector’s ongoing efforts to enhance reliability and reduce risks.
In the broader context, this move could signal a trend towards more integrated and specialized asset management services within the renewables sector. As companies seek to optimize their portfolios, the role of experienced leaders like Kelly will be crucial in shaping strategies that balance growth with operational excellence.
The renewables sector is at a crossroads, with the need to scale up rapidly while ensuring the reliability and safety of assets. Kelly’s appointment at Natural Power could set a precedent for other companies looking to strengthen their leadership teams with individuals who have a holistic understanding of renewable technologies and a proven ability to drive operational success.