Flogas, has announced a new partnership with Ørsted Onshore Ireland. As a direct result of the deal, OOI will be able to directly source renewable electricity from the Knockawarriga wind farm in Co Limerick.
The scheme will be part of the Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) model, whereby a company purchases electricity directly from a wind farm or solar farm.
The Government’s Climate Action Plan sets a target that 15 per cent of electricity consumption should come from renewable electricity contracted under CPPAs by 2030.
The 22.5MW Knockawarriga wind farm has saved over 33,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year since it started operating in 2008.
The CPPA structure offers flexible energy volumes from Knockawarriga wind farm, allowing businesses to purchase tailored portions without committing to the entire wind farm’s output.
Contract terms can also be aligned with each customer’s existing agreements, providing crucial flexibility for individual business needs.
The first six businesses partnered with Knockawarriga wind farm belong to financial services, insurance, manufacturing, hospitality and food production sectors, including Walsh Mushrooms Group and Allianz Worldwide Care.
Flogas aims to supply renewable energy to over 20 medium and large-sized businesses within the next 12 months.
“It is often the case that power purchase agreements are for the largest multinationals, but this initiative reflects Flogas’ vision of ‘Democratizing CPPAs’, making renewable energy purchase agreements accessible beyond just the largest corporations, and opening the door for more Irish businesses to take control of their energy future.” said John Rooney, managing director at Flogas Ireland.
"Businesses can decarbonise their energy consumption in the most stable, predictable and cost-competitive manner.
"This market-leading CPPA structure will increase electricity supply chain transparency and give control to medium and large companies who want to take responsibility and ownership for their electricity procurement and support local Irish renewable power.”
TJ Hunter, Ørsted's vice president of onshore in Ireland and the UK, added: “Our team have been operating in the Irish market for decades generating renewable energy for homes and businesses across Ireland.
"We are proud of our community footprint at Knockawarriga and are delighted that the energy will be made available to support large and medium-sized Irish businesses.
"Wind farms such as Knockawarriga play a crucial role in Ireland’s energy system and every effort must be made by Government and industry to ensure they continue to generate secure local energy for many decades to come.”
“The health insurance industry faces increasing demands to balance environmental responsibility with exceptional client care,” said Seamus Reilly, Facilities Manager from Allianz Worldwide Care.
“This partnership empowers us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint while continuing to provide trusted, high-quality service.”
Padraic O’Leary, chief executive of Walsh Mushrooms Group, said: “Fresh and sustainable mushroom production is central to our mission.
"This initiative aligns perfectly with our values and resonates deeply with our customers, reinforcing our commitment to building a sustainable food system.”
Photo: (l-r) TJ Hunter, Vice President Onshore Ireland UK, Ørsted John Rooney, Managing Director at Flogas Ireland and Gary Howarth, Regional Supervisor Onshore Ireland UK, Ørsted. (Pic: Brendan Gleeson Photography)
