Flogas is stepping up to the plate with an ambitious plan to roll out €50 million worth of solar energy projects over the next five years, targeting large Irish businesses through its innovative Solar as a Service (SaaS) model. This initiative comes at a time when businesses are under pressure to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprints, making it a timely and strategic move in the energy sector. With this offering, companies can harness the power of rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels without any capital investment, paving the way for significant reductions in energy bills.
The scale of this initiative is impressive. Flogas aims to install around 50MW of solar capacity across approximately 100 large businesses, which is expected to generate about 50 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually. That’s no small potatoes! This effort aligns perfectly with the overarching commitment from Flogas’ parent company, DCC, to enhance its renewable energy business under the “Cleaner Energy in Your Power” strategy. The goal here is clear: reduce customer carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, all while supporting the EU’s ambitious Green Deal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
This isn’t just a solo act; Flogas is teaming up with its sister companies, Alternative Energy Ireland (AEI) and Wewise, to deliver a comprehensive solar solution tailored for the Irish market. AEI will oversee the installation and ongoing management of the solar setups, ensuring that they hit 90% of their expected energy output annually. Plus, real-time monitoring adds a layer of transparency that businesses will surely appreciate. Meanwhile, Wewise is stepping in with tailored financing arrangements, making it easier for large businesses to access solar energy without the upfront costs that often deter investment in renewable technologies.
Barry Murphy, Flogas’ Energy Services and Renewables Director, emphasizes that this investment is central to their strategy of leading the charge in renewable energy and sustainability across Ireland. “It supports our vision of becoming a green energy leader by driving the adoption of Solar as a Service among large businesses,” he stated, highlighting the dual benefits of reducing carbon emissions and slashing energy costs.
With zero upfront costs, significant energy savings, and a single monthly fee, the SaaS model is designed to remove the financial barriers that have historically kept businesses from investing in solar energy. As Steven Bray, Managing Director of AEI, points out, this model allows businesses to leverage solar energy without the financial burden of purchasing and maintaining the technology.
Flogas’s focus on large businesses is crucial for decarbonizing the Irish commercial sector, a necessary step if the country aims to meet its emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2050. The SaaS service is particularly well-suited for large energy users needing systems over 150kW, though it does require suitable roof or land space, which will be assessed during the detailed site survey phase of the project.
As the world shifts toward cleaner energy solutions, Flogas’ proactive approach could very well set a precedent for how businesses engage with renewable energy in Ireland and beyond. By making solar energy accessible and financially feasible, Flogas is not just participating in the energy transition; they are helping to lead it.
