6MW installation across Co Cavan facilities to supply renewable power, cut emissions and boost energy resilience through SSE Airtricity partnership.
Building products manufacturer Mannok has commenced work on what is set to become Ireland’s largest rooftop solar installation, with a new 6MW project planned across its manufacturing facilities in Co Cavan.
The development, being delivered by Activ8 Solar Energies through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SSE Airtricity, will see almost four hectares of rooftop space transformed into a renewable energy asset capable of generating a significant share of the company’s electricity requirements.
“Sustainability is an increasingly important part of how we operate as a business”
Once completed, the installation will span 3.88 hectares and consist of approximately 10,000 solar panels. The project is expected to avoid an estimated 792 tonnes of carbon emissions annually while helping to strengthen the energy resilience of the manufacturing group’s operations.
The size of 3 GAA pitches
The rooftop array will cover an area comparable to almost three GAA pitches, underscoring the increasing scale at which industrial businesses are adopting onsite renewable energy solutions to manage energy costs and advance sustainability goals.
Ciaran Marron, CEO of Activ8 Solar Energies, described the development as an important milestone for both companies.
“The commencement of Ireland’s largest rooftop solar installation demonstrates what can be achieved when ambitious businesses invest in renewable energy at scale,” he said.
“By investing in this significant solar project, Mannok is taking a meaningful step towards reducing emissions, strengthening energy resilience and helping to drive the transition to a lower-carbon future.”
Sustainability ambitions
Mannok, which employs more than 800 people across facilities in Fermanagh, Cavan, Longford and Kent, manufactures a broad range of construction products and plastic packaging for the Irish and UK markets.
The company said the investment aligns with its wider sustainability ambitions under its 2030 Vision strategy.
Chief executive Dara O’Reilly said the solar installation would support both environmental and operational objectives.
“Sustainability is an increasingly important part of how we operate as a business. This project represents another significant step in that journey,” he said.
“Once complete, the installation will enable us to generate renewable electricity onsite, helping us to reduce our carbon footprint while enhancing the resilience of our manufacturing operations.
“We are proud to partner with Activ8 and SSE Airtricity on a project that demonstrates our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Mannok’s 2030 Vision is our roadmap to decarbonisation and this project is another significant step in that direction.”
The solar installation is being delivered under a fully funded PPA structure, allowing Mannok to access onsite renewable electricity generation without making an upfront capital investment.
Under the agreement, Activ8 and SSE Airtricity will fund, install and maintain the solar PV system. Mannok will purchase the electricity generated at an agreed rate over the term of the contract, providing greater cost certainty while reducing reliance on externally supplied power.
Powering ahead
Stephen Gallagher, managing director of SSE Airtricity, said the agreement illustrates the growing role PPAs are playing in supporting industrial decarbonisation.
“Projects like this highlight the growing importance of Power Purchase Agreements in delivering long-term energy price certainty for Irish industry, while also supporting the transition to lower-carbon operations,” he said.
“By removing the need for upfront capital investment, businesses can access renewable energy solutions with immediate benefits and predictable costs.
“This project is made possible by our fully funded solar initiative announced with Activ8 earlier this year and demonstrates our commitment to helping customers decarbonise with confidence. We are delighted to partner with Mannok on this landmark development.”
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