Dawn Meats invests €1.5m in solar energy at Waterford site
The Grannagh facility in Co. Waterford now boasts 3,500 solar panels, generating 40% of its annual electricity needs as part of Dawn Meats’ sustainability strategy
Print20 January 2025
Dawn Meats has invested €1.5 million in a newly completed solar panel project at its Grannagh site in Co. Waterford.
The 18-month project, led by engineering director Tom Hyland, involved the installation of 3,500 solar roof panels covering 8,397 square metres.
The panels will produce 1,560,000kWh of power annually, the equivalent of 40% of the yearly electricity usage at the Grannagh site.
Generated energy
The energy generated is enough to power 210 homes for an entire year and is expected to deliver a return on investment in 4.5 years, depending on future electricity unit price rates.
The Grannagh site was deemed suitable for the use of solar panels as its southern location offers optimal sunlight exposure.
It also had available roof space, which meant the project did not require additional planning permission.
The move is part of the company’s wider plans to maximise renewable energy generation at its sites and similar solar facilities are due to be installed at other Dawn Meats plants in Ireland and the UK.
Further investment
Since 2020, Dawn Meats has sourced 100% renewable energy to power its sites.
With further investment, the company is working towards on-site renewable energy generation across all sites as part of its Plan Four Zero sustainability strategy.
“This marks a significant milestone in our journey to use sustainable energy and reduce our carbon footprint. We plan to replicate the success of this project across our sites in Ireland and the UK in the near future,” said Tom Hyland, engineering director, Daw Meats.
Read more: Aldi Ireland secures €125m contract with Dawn Meats
Related Articles
Climate targets and meat consumption take centre stage in Great Agri-Food Debate →
Fans 0
Followers