Activ8 Energies in €200M solar project

MONAGHAN business, Acvtiv8 Energies, has launched a nationwide solar energy project worth up to €200M this week.

The all-island funded solar initiative, in partnership with SSE Airtricity, will enable companies all over Ireland decarbonise without any upfront cost to them.

The initiative was officially launched in Carrickmacross on Monday by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien.

Activ8 and SSE will invest in funding, installing and maintaining the solar PV system; while businesses will pay for the electricity they generate on site, at an agreed and attractive rate, through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

The initiative comes as energy costs continue to fluctuate due to international supply pressures and geopolitical uncertainty.

By ensuring a portion of their energy costs is covered for 15-25 years, participating companies can improve financial predictability, competitiveness; and ultimately the long-term stability of their operations.

CEO of Activ8, Ciaran Marron, told the Celt how it works.

“We will design, fund, install and maintain solar PV systems for businesses who will not have to make any upfront payments to us. That means SMEs and all other types of companies can work towards decarbonisation without making any investment,” Mr Marron said.

"We take the thought and the cost of installing a solar system away from the business.”

“This is a major step forward for our business but also all businesses across the country,” Mr Marron said as Acvtiv8 Energies celebrates 20 years in business in Carrickmacross this year.

When he attended the official launch of the initiative in Monaghan this week, Minister O’Brien said: “Private investment at this scale helps give companies practical options for businesses to reduce exposure to market volatility and plan with greater confidence; while also ensuring we are taking steps towards our 2030 climate targets.”

Local TD and Minister of State, Niamh Smyth, praised Ciaran and the team at Activ8 Energies and SSE Airtricity. "[They] have created something that will make a genuine difference to Irish businesses.”