Activ8 Solar Energies has commenced work on what will become Ireland’s largest rooftop solar installation for construction products manufacturer Mannok.
The 6MW solar project is being developed across 3.88 hectares of rooftop space at Mannok’s facility in Co Cavan, equivalent to almost three GAA pitches.
Once completed, the installation will comprise of approximately 10,000 solar panels and will provide a significant portion of Mannok’s overall electricity demand while reducing carbon emissions by 792 tonnes per year.
Ciaran Marron, CEO of Activ8 Solar Energies, said the project marks a major 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.
“By investing in this significant solar project, Mannok is taking a meaningful step towards reducing emissions, strengthening energy resilience and helping to drive transition to a lower-carbon future.”
Speaking on the announcement, Mannok CEO Dara O’Reilly said: “Sustainability is an increasingly important part of how we operate as a business. This project represents another significant step in that journey.
“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.
Supported through Activ8 and SSE Airtricity’s funded solar initiative worth up to €200m, the development highlights the growing opportunity for large industrial manufacturers to adopt onsite renewable energy without upfront capital costs.
Through a power purchase agreement (PPA), Activ8 and SSE Airtricity fund, install and maintain the solar PV system, while Mannok benefits from purchasing the electricity generated at a reduced rate for the duration of the agreement.
“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 that this project is another significant step in that direction,” said O’Reilly.
Stephen Gallagher, managing director of SSE Airtricity, said: “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.
“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.”
Photo: (l-r) Dara O’Reilly, CEO, Mannok; Ciaran Marron, CEO, Activ8 Energies; Brenda Rennick, CFO, Mannok; and Kevin Lunney, COO, Mannok. (Pic: Supplied)
