Energy firm ESB International has opened new offices at One Dublin Airport Central.

The firm will recruit 150 high skilled professionals over the next three years, building on 130 new hires in the past years.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan TD was taken on a tour of the building by ESB Chief Executive Pat O'Doherty and Managing Director of ESB International Ollie Brogan.

The firm has also scooped new contract wins of €11 million in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and with international funding agencies.

Chief Executive Kevin Toland was also present for the opening of the office block in the Dublin Airport complex.

Minister Charlie Flanagan TD said: "Since 1975, ESB International has blazed a trail for other Irish companies to follow, successfully delivering projects throughout the world to assist countries at various stages of development. This Irish expertise has made a real difference to people's lives and the announcement of 150 new highly skilled positions in the coming years is to be warmly welcomed. As Ireland faces up to some tough economic challenges in the period ahead, the company is an inspiration and an example of what can be achieved – a globally connected company which remains grounded in the distinctive values of Ireland."

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ESB Chief Executive Pat O'Doherty said: "At ESB, we have an innate understanding of electricity as a vital precursor to social and economic development. Ireland's experience has underlined electricity as a key enabler, with ESB bringing its transformative power to even the most remote corners. For the last four decades, ESB International has exported skills and ingenuity to 120 countries around the world. It isn't just this engineering expertise that distinguishes ESB International from our competitors, but rather a culture of solving problems and sharing knowledge that is rooted in ESB's DNA and driven by a desire to drive progress and growth in the communities we serve. The office opening in the heart of Dublin Airport Central opens an exciting new chapter as we rise to the global energy challenges of the coming decades."

The building's environmental credentials has been recognised with award of the highest 'platinum' level sustainability accreditation of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), making it the first award in Ireland for a 'core and shell' building.

Meanwhile, Electric Ireland has also launched into the solar PV market for Irish homes – the first time an Irish energy supplier has done so in the residential market. As part of the package, Electric Ireland is offering residential energy users installation of six solar panels and a custom-built app to show energy savings in real-time.

Solar PV allows homeowners the opportunity to generate their own electricity, reduce energy bills and help the environment. For homeowners who produce more power than they need with the solar PV panels, the extra power is diverted automatically to heat their water which leads to further savings and greater energy efficiency. As part of Electric Ireland's offer, customers can avail of a unique custom-built app that allows customers to track their usage and savings in real-time.

Paul Stapleton, General Manager at Electric Ireland said: "As the first energy supplier to offer residential solar PV in Ireland, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing customers with quality, affordable, smart and energy efficient home solutions. Through this offering, homeowners can both enjoy the benefits of clean energy and reduced energy bills thanks to the transfer of unused power into the home's hot water system. This Solar PV launch is another important offering for our customers, and another step on our journey towards building a sustainable and greener country for all."

(CD/LM)