Activ8 Solar Energies has commenced work on what will become Ireland’s largest rooftop solar installation for Mannok, one of Ireland and the UK’s leading manufacturers of construction products and plastic packaging, marking a significant step forward in the decarbonisation of Irish industry.
Delivered through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SSE Airtricity, the 6MW solar project is now under development across 3.88 hectares of rooftop space at Mannok’s manufacturing facilities in Co. Cavan. Once completed and energised, the installation will comprise of approximately 10,000 solar panels and will provide a significant portion of Mannok’s overall electricity demand while avoiding an estimated 792 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Spanning an area equivalent to almost three GAA pitches once complete, the project highlights the growing role of onsite renewable energy in helping Irish industry reduce emissions, manage energy costs and strengthen operational resilience. As one of Ireland and the UK’s most diverse manufacturers of construction products and plastic packaging, the investment in what will become Ireland’s largest rooftop solar installation demonstrates Mannok’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and long-term energy resilience.
“This project marks a major milestone for both Activ8 and Mannok,” said Ciaran Marron, CEO of Activ8 Energies. “The commencement of Ireland’s largest rooftop solar installation demonstrates what can be achieved when ambitious businesses invest in renewable energy at scale. By investing in this significant solar project, Mannok is taking a meaningful step towards reducing emissions, strengthening energy resilience and helping to drive transition to a lower-carbon future.”
Speaking on the announcement Dara O’Reilly, CEO of Mannok, said: “Sustainability is an increasingly important part of how we operate as a business. This project represents another significant step in that journey. Once complete, the installation will enable us to generate renewable electricity onsite, helping us to reduce our carbon footprint while enhancing the resilience of our manufacturing operations. We are proud to partner with Activ8 and SSE Airtricity on a project that demonstrates our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Mannok’s 2030 Vision is our roadmap to decarbonisation and that this project is another significant step in that direction.”
Structured as a fully funded Power Purchase Agreement with SSE Airtricity, the project will enable Mannok to benefit from onsite renewable electricity generation without upfront capital investment.
“Projects like this highlight the growing importance of Power Purchase Agreements in delivering long-term energy price certainty for Irish industry, while also supporting the transition to lower-carbon operations,” said Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity. “By removing the need for upfront capital investment, businesses can access renewable energy solutions with immediate benefits and predictable costs. This project is made possible by our fully funded solar initiative announced with Activ8 earlier this year and demonstrates our commitment to helping customers decarbonise with confidence. We are delighted to partner with Mannok on this landmark development.”
The project marks a significant milestone for Activ8, as the company celebrates 20 years in business. Supported through Activ8 and SSE Airtricity’s funded solar initiative worth up to €200 million, this development highlights the growing opportunity for large industrial manufacturers to adopt onsite renewable energy without upfront capital costs. Through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Activ8 and SSE Airtricity fund, install and maintain the solar PV system, while Mannok benefits from purchasing the electricity generated at a reduced rate for the duration of the agreement.