Ireland's largest self-generation solar project has been officially launched at Ballydine, Co Tipperary.

MSD Ireland and ESB joined forces to deliver the project, building the 7.3MW ground mounted solar PV array to support the site in significantly reducing its carbon footprint, in line with MSD's ambitious climate goals.

It is estimated that the system will generate approximately 7.9GWh of clean renewable electricity for the MSD site, ensuring up to 20% of the site's energy requirements are now coming from renewable energy sources.

Commenting on the opening of the Ballydine solar farm Leo Varadkar TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment said: "Congratulations to MSD and the ESB on this ground-breaking project. It's our responsibility to leave the planet in a better place than we found it. It'll take a huge effort from all parts of society and enterprise has a pivotal role to play. By investing in Ireland's largest solar project, which will fulfil over 20% of MSD Ballydine's energy needs. MSD is taking the lead, while also securing a renewable energy source for its operations into the future, which we know now more than ever is crucial. It's really fantastic to see such innovation and leadership. The very best of luck to the teams involved."

Speaking about the launch of the project, Mairead McCaul, Managing Director MSD Human Health and Head of MSD Ireland Country Leadership Team, commented: "At MSD Ireland, we're delighted to announce the launch of our new solar project at Ballydine, which is now providing us with a sustainable source of energy and helping us to meet our climate goals here in Ireland. We're delighted to partner with ESB's Smart Services in developing the project, and we look forward to working with them over the next 20 years as we continue to grow our sustainability efforts. We view environmental protection and sustainability as key pillars of how we do business. Our company, both globally and across Ireland, is fully committed to improving our sustainability and environmental performance, in line with global manufacturing aspirations, while continuously challenging ourselves to do more and do better. This new project at MSD Ballydine is supporting MSD Ireland in our commitment to ensuring that in everything we do, we’re making a difference."

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First established in 1976, as the MSD's first site in Ireland, MSD's Ballydine develops and supplies the active ingredients and final formulated product for a range of innovative medicines at its manufacturing and R&D facilities. The Ballydine site is MSD's primary small molecule pipeline commercialisation facility globally, operating as a European hub for quality, manufacturing, and engineering. Its highly skilled workforce leads the way in the development of new medicines, including innovative treatments for Hepatitis C, HIV and immuno-oncology. Operating in Tipperary for over 40 years, the site exports to over 25 countries around the world.

Brian Killen - AVP Operations and Plant Manager MSD Ballydine, added: "Here at Ballydine, we are very proud of this project and the difference it will make to how we operate and do business, and what we can do to improve our environmental impact. The solar project will enable our site to reduce our carbon footprint by 2,336 tonnes every year and it will play a key part in our overall renewable energy agenda.

"Across our global network, we are committed to ambitious goals, including our commitment to a 46% reduction in operations greenhouse gas by 2030, and to source 100% of our electricity from renewables by 2025. These goals build on MSD’s long-standing focus of supporting the global effort to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. As a company committed to environmental responsibility and sustainability, at Ballydine we are delighted to partner with the ESB to help us deliver this project that will help us to achieve our goals."