NTR has signed a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) with Irish banking group AIB to source energy generated from two solar farms NTR will construct in County Wexford. AIB is the first Irish company to conclude such an agreement, helping it deliver on its commitment to source 100% of its power requirements from certified renewable energy sources by 2030.
While Ireland is typically associated with wind as an energy resource, solar too can play a key part in the renewables mix. The two solar farms at Enniscorthy and Gorey combined will result in 21.4 GWh of new renewable energy being placed in the Irish grid. This will provide up to 80% of AIB Group’s electricity needs to service its retail and office network of over 270 properties while providing welcome additional generation capacity into the national grid at a time when the country faces energy supply challenges.
This agreement will contribute to the delivery of the Irish Government’s Climate Action Plan which has set a target of 15% of all electricity demand being met by renewable generators contracted under CPPAs by 2030. The agreement also ensures the bank has a sustainable and secure energy supply at a fixed price for 15 years.
AIB CEO Colin Hunt said: “Sustainability is a key strategic priority for AIB as we seek to help protect our fragile planet from the devastating impact of climate change by reducing our own carbon footprint and helping our customers to do the same. We are delighted to partner with NTR on this innovative project to enable two new solar farms to be built in Ireland, guaranteeing that the electricity we use to power AIB’s own operations will be certified to a fully traceable renewable solar energy source. It is also a key enabler to help us achieve our target to be net zero on our own operations by 2030. As we launch AIB’s Sixth Sustainability Conference today, our message is that we have no time to waste in tackling climate change which is the greatest challenge facing our generation.’’
NTR CEO Rosheen McGuckian said: “Corporate PPAs such as this are an integral part of the solution to drive the clean energy transition across our European markets, but it is particularly gratifying to sign a PPA in our home market with AIB who is leading the charge for Irish companies in embracing this way to access clean affordable power. AIB’s dedication to sustainability is clear, and we’re excited to be partnering with them to help them achieve their vision.”