A Norwegian energy consultancy company has said it will create 200 new jobs in Ireland over the next two years.
The announcement follows the acquisition by DNV of Dublin-based Enviroguide Consulting in July 2023.
Enviroguide will be fully integrated into DNV, which will now expand its footprint across the country.
DNV was established as a membership organisation in Oslo more than 160 years ago, to assess the seaworthiness of wooden sail ships.
DNV provides consultancy and assurance services to more than 100,000 companies in 100 countries across the world. It has 15,000 employees, including 5,500 in one of its divisions, Energy Systems.
Its work includes assessing safety at sea, advising on energy projects, certifying supply chains, advancing food safety, improving patient care and managing cyber risks.
As part of its expansion plans in Ireland, Enviroguide will be integrated into DNV, which has said it will recruit another 200 people across the country over the next two years.
Around 80 of the new jobs will be based in Cork, with the remainder spread nationwide.
The jobs will cover environmental science and engineering, ecology and biodiversity, risk advisory and energy consulting.
Decision is 'vote of confidence' in workforce, says Taoiseach
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has welcomed the company's announcement.
"The decision to choose Ireland as a location for DNV's operations and their future is a vote of confidence in our highly-skilled workforce and our commitment to sustainability," Mr Martin said.
UK and Ireland Regional Director for DNV Energy Systems, Hari Vamadevan, said the company's expansion in Ireland is aimed at helping companies work towards highly-decarbonized energy system, in line with the Paris Agreement's objectives.
"DNV's Irish office is pivotal in providing independent energy expertise and technical guidance, aiding industries and governments in navigating the complex transitions within both global and regional energy sectors," Mr Vamadevan said.
IDA Ireland Chief Executive Michael Lohan said sustainability is a key focus for the IDA.
"We are delighted to support investments that align with our commitment to fostering sustainable development," Mr Lohan said.
DNV's expansion in Ireland is a testament to our country’s attractiveness as a hub for innovative and environmentally-conscious businesses."
DNV Operations Director in Ireland, Janet O'Shea, explained that the next move will be the re-branding of Enviroguide as DNV.
"Our biodiversity and environmental expertise will further enhance DNV's ability to provide comprehensive solutions that support sustainable development and address global challenges," Ms O'Shea said.
DNV invests 5% of revenue annually in research and development, to advance safety and sustainability.
The company reported 10.7% revenue growth in 2024.
In Ireland, DNV says it will be particularly focused on supporting the country's transition to a low-carbon energy system.
The company says this will include increasing the adoption of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency and using digitalisation and artificial intelligence to enhance the energy sector's performance.
