Flogas has announced an ambitious €50 million plan to deliver solar energy projects for large Irish businesses over the next five years. The company's new Solar as a Service (SaaS) offering will enable businesses to harness the power of solar energy without significant upfront costs.

By partnering with Alternative Energy Ireland (AEI) and Wewise, Flogas aims to provide a comprehensive solar solution that includes installation, management, and financing. This innovative approach will allow businesses to reduce their energy costs, minimise their carbon footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Flogas' Solar as a Service offering aligns with its parent company DCC plc's 'Cleaner Energy in Your Power' strategy. This overarching strategy focuses on expanding renewable energy solutions and supporting the EU's Green Deal goals.

By embracing solar energy, Irish businesses can take a significant step towards a greener future and contribute to Ireland's renewable energy targets.

"This investment is central to Flogas' strategy to lead in renewable energy and sustainability across Ireland", said Barry Murphy, Energy Services and Renewables Director, Flogas. "It supports our vision of becoming a green energy leader by driving the adoption of Solar as a Service among large businesses, ultimately reducing carbon emissions and energy costs while contributing to Ireland's climate goals."

-- Advertisement --

Flogas aims to install around 50 megawatts (MW) of solar PV capacity across approximately 100 large businesses. This move is expected to generate about 50 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually—enough to power approximately 12,000 Irish homes each year.

The initiative is projected to significantly reduce Irish carbon emissions, with an estimated reduction of 11,000 tonnes annually — supporting Ireland's renewable energy targets and furthering the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

"Solar as a Service offers numerous benefits, including zero upfront costs, significant energy savings, reduction in carbon footprints, a single monthly fee, and a service level agreement for the duration of any contract", said Steven Bray, Managing Director, Alternative Energy Ireland. "This model enables businesses to leverage solar energy without the financial burden of purchasing and maintaining the technology."

The focus on large businesses aligns with the national goal of decarbonising the Irish commercial sector, crucial for meeting the overall reduction in emission targets for 2030 and 2050.

The solar energy market in Ireland is in its early stages of development. At the end of 2023, Ireland had 700 MW of solar PV installed capacity, with electricity generation from solar PV accounting for only 1.9% of Ireland's electricity supply.

Irish Government policies such as the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) provide incentives to boost adoption, but uptake remains constrained – particularly in the commercial sector – by barriers of high initial costs and limited access to capital for upfront investments in renewable energy infrastructure.

"Flogas aims to address these barriers, accelerate solar adoption, and support Ireland's ambitious energy sustainability targets, including generating 80% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030," added Murphy. "We also hope this project will contribute to Ireland achieving a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 relative to 2018 levels, as outlined in the government's Climate Action Plan."

This service is particularly suitable for large energy users requiring systems of over 150 kW. Suitable roof or land space on site will be required and reviewed during detailed site survey phase in project.