Activ8 Solar Energies has announced the completion of a 2.5MW solar installation at Gyproc's manufacturing facility in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, marking one of Ireland’s most technically advanced and complex commercial solar projects to date.
Delivered for Gyproc in Ireland, part of the Saint-Gobain Group, the installation comprises 3,556 solar panels and is expected to generate approximately 2,235 MWh of clean electricity annually. The system will supply up to 15% of the site’s total energy demand. While the Gyproc site sources 100% renewable electricity through selecting a renewable-only electricity tariff this would equate to 502.16 tonnes of CO₂ each year expressed at national electricity grid emission factors.
The project comes as energy-intensive industries across Ireland face rising electricity costs, increasing pressure to decarbonise operations, and a growing need for resilient, onsite energy solutions. The installation is expected to deliver annual electricity cost savings of approximately €230,000 while representing a significant investment in sustainable infrastructure in the Cavan region, supporting local industry and long-term energy resilience.
“This project proves that even complex sites can deliver real sustainability gains through innovation and collaboration,” said Ciaran Marron, CEO of Activ8 Energies. “Faced with strict site constraints that prohibited ground penetration, we designed a bespoke system tailored to the site’s conditions, unlocking significant environmental and commercial value for Gyproc.”
“Across Europe, Saint‑Gobain is focused on transforming how we manufacture, reducing carbon intensity, strengthening energy resilience, and delivering more sustainable construction solutions,” said David Molho, CEO Northern Europe Region at Saint‑Gobain. “This project in Kingscourt is an excellent example of how our European sustainability ambitions are being delivered locally. By harnessing on‑site renewable energy on a complex site, we are decarbonising our operations in Ireland. It reflects the power of innovation and partnership in driving tangible progress toward our net‑zero roadmap”
Due to strict site constraints, Activ8 developed a fully customised engineering solution to enable installation without ground penetration. This included the design of a bespoke concrete ballasted mounting system, alongside the use of specialist rubber-tracked machinery to protect the integrity of the surface throughout the construction phase.
Structured as a fully funded Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in partnership with SSE Airtricity, the installation enables Gyproc to generate renewable energy onsite with no upfront capital investment.
“Projects like this demonstrate the critical role that Power Purchase Agreements can play in accelerating Ireland’s transition to renewable energy,” said Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity. “By removing the need for upfront capital investment, we’re enabling businesses like Gyproc to take meaningful action on decarbonisation, while also delivering long-term energy cost stability.”
Located adjacent to the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, the project further demonstrates how renewable infrastructure can be thoughtfully integrated into environmentally sensitive landscapes.
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