Latest news with #SSEAirtricity
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
How corporate power purchase agreements are helping Ireland's large energy users to power success
SSE Airtricity is synonymous with cleaner, greener energy. The company, which was bought by SSE in 2008, has been actively harnessing Ireland's greatest natural resource – wind – ever since, helping to support Ireland's decarbonisation plans. That trusted heritage in renewable energy is why a growing number of the country's leading energy users, from across commercial and industrial sectors, have chosen to enter into corporate power purchase agreements (CPPAs) with the company. These agreements allow them to purchase renewable electricity under contract, with a guarantee of origin, so they know the electricity provided was generated by a wind farm owned by SSE. Businesses can be confident in their efforts to meet their environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements and their contribution to carbon reduction. And it's not just good news for the environment. It makes good commercial sense too. Signing up to an SSE Airtricity CPPA can help large energy users achieve greater price certainty. By locking in electricity prices for the duration of the contract, such customers are shielded from the volatility of energy markets, allowing for better budgeting and financial planning. It also means they are directly supporting Ireland's energy transition. Because CPPAs provide an additional route to market for generators, independent of the Government-backed Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, they enable new wind farms to be built and existing ones to stay in operation longer. Musgrave – Ireland's leading food retail, wholesale and food service company – has just signed up to an SSE Airtricity CPPA. Together with its retail partners, Musgrave supports more than 41,000 jobs in more than 1,000 stores, offices and distribution centres. These support market leading food and beverage brands such as SuperValu and Centra as well as its wholesale and food service wing, Musgrave Marketplace. In April Musgrave announced a landmark CPPA which will see it purchase 100 per cent of the wind-powered energy from Richfield Wind Farm in Co Wexford and the Bessy Bell 2 Wind Farm in Co Tyrone, both of which are owned and operated by SSE Renewables, a sister company to SSE Airtricity. The energy generated from Richfield Wind Farm and Bessy Bell 2 Wind Farm will help meet the Musgrave Group's electricity needs, including Musgrave offices, 11 distribution centres and 105 SuperValu and Centra retail stores across Ireland. The move is designed to help support Musgrave to decarbonise its operations, manage its energy costs and minimise the financial risk associated with market volatility. 'At Musgrave, we are proud to partner with SSE Airtricity in signing this Corporate Power Purchase Agreement,' says Noel Keeley, chief executive of Musgrave Group. 'This landmark agreement marks a significant milestone in our journey toward net zero, and empowers our SuperValu and Centra stores to meaningfully reduce their environmental impact. Noel Keeley, chief executive of Musgraves and SSE Airtricity's managing director, Stephen Gallagher. 'Our network of stores is deeply committed to driving sustainability and making a positive difference in their local communities. Together with our retail partners we have ambitious plans for our journey to net zero, while supporting the renewable energy sector in Ireland through partnerships like this CPPA.' The first all-island retail CPPA, it was a landmark agreement for the retail sector. 'The partnership reflects our continued commitment to supporting businesses in their sustainability journey,' says SSE Airtricity's managing director, Stephen Gallagher. 'As energy partner, our role is to ensure Musgrave has access to reliable renewable energy solutions and that SuperValu and Centra stores can continue to be leaders in sustainability. We look forward to continued collaborations to drive positive environmental impact, supporting a net-zero future for Ireland.' CPPAs are one of a suite of energy solutions that SSE Airtricity offers. These include energy audits, a free survey supported by SEAI to help commercial customers to better understand their energy usage, identifying cost savings, reducing risk and lowering carbon footprint. SSE Airtricity provides solar PV solutions too, including survey and installation for immediate ESG benefits, the potential for cost savings and long-term price stability, as well as the potential to generate revenue through microgeneration. Through funded solar solutions large users can install commercial solar panels via a solar PPA with no upfront cost. SSE Airtricity also offers practical assistance such as the installation of electric vehicle charging points and can tailor energy solutions to meet the specific needs of businesses, supporting sustainability and operational efficiency goals. Its distributed energy solutions meanwhile provide large users with modular energy generation and storage technologies, another fully financed energy solution designed around your needs. The tailored aspect of SSE Airtricity CPPAs, and their ease of use, are important parts of the value proposition. 'A lot of people think this is the realm of Big Tech or data centres because they are very active in this space. But effectively the product we have developed is both personalised and simplified for diverse industry sectors. Each CPPA is completely bespoke and we have worked very hard to simplify the process so that customers have one contract and one single point of contact,' explains David O'Byrne, the company's head of industrial and commercial contracts. 'Each agreement is between one partner and one clean energy solution, which is why each and every one of these agreements is different,' he says. 'We come in, get to know your business, look at demand and usage throughout your organisation on an annualised basis, and then tailor an agreement to suit.' In having an SSE Airtiricty CPPA, organisations are not only securing a reliable source of renewable energy – they're also playing a meaningful role in Ireland's energy transition. In Musgrave's case for example, its agreement directly continues the demand for energy from Richfield Wind Farm, contributing to the extension of life of a key renewable asset. 'A CPPA provides clear, verifiable proof that your business is serious about climate action,' says O'Byrne. 'A CPPA can offer greater price stability, enabling businesses to secure a competitive fixed energy rate for the energy generated over the agreement's term. That support in managing exposure to market fluctuations can make longer-term budgeting more predictable,' he says. 'We only have to remember the impact Russia's invasion of Ukraine had on energy prices to appreciate the value of that. CPPAs also helps protect energy security, another concern for businesses. 'Having a dedicated source of renewable energy, as Musgrave does, provides CPPA customers with greater visibility and assurance over their energy supply. It also reinforces their commitment to sustainability and supports the broader development of renewable infrastructure in Ireland.' Visit for more information.
Irish Examiner
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
O'Brien off to a winning start as Shels defeat 10-man Cork City
SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Shelbourne 3 (Wood 2', Odubeko 6', Lunney 83') Cork City 1 (Nelson 42') The Joey O'Brien era got off to a winning start as his Reds side earned their first win in four as opposing number Ger Nash's desperate search for his first three points rumbled on. Shels lightening start to the game with two goals in the opening six minutes set the hosts on their way, before Kitt Nelson pulled one back before the break. Charlie Lyons then saw red after the restart as JJ Lunney struck late on to seal all three points late on over 10-man City. With two draws in their last two games, the reigning Champions got off to a flyer when Wood reacted sharply to intercept City's skipper Charlie Lyons' attempted pass out to Matthew Kiernan. The Englishman looked the coolest customer in Drumcondra as he clipped the ball over the helpless Conor Brann. The Leesiders, had travelled to Dublin with a slight sense of optimism having been busy in the recently opened transfer window bringing in four players. Former Drogheda United and St. Patrick's Athletic stopper David Odumosu just missed the registration deadline but another with League of Ireland experience Rory Feely, the towering Fiacre Kelleher and exciting looking attacker Charlie Lutz - on-loan from Aston Villa - all went straight into the matchday squad starting from the bench. But the hope quickly faded as the hosts' dream start continued, grabbing their second just four minutes later. Following a free-flowing move across the pitch, Wood turned provider getting down the right before cleverly squaring to find Mipo Odubeko who smashed home his sixth of the season with just six minutes on the clock. The physical presence of the departed top scorer Djenairo Daniels looked to be taking its toll with Seani Maguire becoming isolated as the Reds one-way traffic continued. In a microcosm of his season Odubeko spurned a glorious chance to make it three, again taking advantage of slack play at the back by the visitors. The enigmatic front man then dragged his left footed strike wide as he bore down on goal. To their credit the visitors kept plugging away and went close when Greg Bolger almost caught Conor Kearns off his line from deep. Growing in confidence they went agonisingly close to halving the deficit as Freddie Andersons looping back post header from an outswinging corner narrowly missed the target. And on the stroke of half-time City finally took advantage of Shels set piece deficiencies as Kitt Nelson struck beautifully into the bottom corner after Anderson kept the ball alive at the back post once again. All the visitors' hard work to get themselves a footing in the game was undone five minutes into the restart when skipper Lyons was shown a straight red card for a lunge on Mark Coyle. With the man advantage, O'Brien went to two up top as Sean Boyd partnered Odubeko looking to put the game beyond the battling visitors' reach. But it was fellow sub Daniel Kelly who looked most threatening and almost made an immediate impact, racing behind Kiernan but the final ball towards the waiting Mipo was well smothered by Brann. The hosts continued to probe but the impressive Kelleher looked solid clearing everything that came his way. Man-of-match Wood looked dangerous every time he picked up the ball in the final third. His pinpoint cross from the right found James Norris free at the back post but the on-loan Liverpool man saw his first time effort trickle past the post. Lunney then made sure of all three points when his cross from the right wing evaded everyone and crept in at the back post to make the last few minutes a little more enjoyable for the home fans. Shelbourne: Kearns; Coyle, Barrett, Ledwidge, Caffrey (Kelly, 60'), McInroy (Boyd, 60'), Lunney, Norris; Coote (Chapman, 60'), Wood (O'Sullivan, 79'), Odubeko (Martin, 71') Subs not used: Healy, Wilson, Bone, Temple Cork City: Brann; Mbeng, Lyons, Anderson (Lutz, 76'), Kiernan; Bolger, Murray (McLaughlin, 46'); Nolan (Kelleher, 56'), Crowley, Nelson (O'Sullivan, 56'); Maguire (Dijksteel, 45') Subs not used: Moloney, Nevin, Fitzpatrick, Feely Referee: R Harvey (Dublin)
BreakingNews.ie
27-06-2025
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
LOI: Shamrock Rovers 11 points clear after beating Waterford
Shamrock Rovers' lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division table is now 11 points. The leaders beat Waterford 1-0 tonight, while Bohemians required a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Sligo Rovers. Advertisement Derry City are now level on points with Bohs after their 3-0 win over Drogheda United, while Galway United and Shelbourne played out a 1-1 draw. At Turner's Cross, it finished Cork City 0-0 St Patrick's Athletic. Dundalk edged out Cobh Ramblers 1-0 in their top of the table clash in the First Division tonight. Elsewhere, Wexford beat Kerry 4-3, Bray were 4-0 winners away to Athlone Town and Treaty United lost 1-0 at home to Finn Harps.
RTÉ News
24-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Continuity 'most obvious' option to fill void left by Damien Duff at Shelbourne, say Alan Cawley and David McMillan
With Shelbourne facing into the difficult task of filling the void left by Damien Duff, the club would be best served pushing for Joey O'Brien to take the reins at least until the end of the season, according to Alan Cawley and David McMillan. Republic of Ireland legend Duff made the shock decision to resign as Shelbourne manager on Sunday just seven months on from guiding the club to a first SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division title in 18 years. While their title defence has not gone swimmingly this season and Duff's frustrations with his players had become more pronounced, a lucrative Champions League first qualifying round tie against Linfield was awaiting next month which made the timing of his decision all the more surprising. Speaking on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, former league winners Cawley and McMillan both opined that the timing was "strange" and offered their views on the factors behind Duff's decision. But they also cast an eye ahead to how the north Dublin club can reset quickly with the Linfield tie looming, and both feel Duff's assistant Joey O'Brien, who took charge of the team for the 2-2 draw against Waterford on Monday, is an obvious choice to be handed the reins at least until the end of the season, although the ex-Irish international has remained non-committal about the prospect thus far. "It leaves such a hole for them because you speak about not only the football end of things but also the promotional and marketing side of things," said Cawley of Duff's departure. "And not just Shelbourne, I think the league was basing a lot of their marketing and promotion on Damien Duff and him being a key figure in our league. "This was a fella who was getting front and centre all the time on the back pages of the papers, online or wherever and now that's gone. "So that's going to be a huge void to fill just in terms of the promotional side of things and marketing. "But in terms of who they bring in from the footballing end of things, I think even listening to Joey O'Brien's interview last night, it could be a thing that he takes it or that might be what they might want until the end of the season, because there's continuity. "He seems like a similar enough figure (to Duff) in terms of his drive and his motivation. He was obviously a brilliant player as we know and had big success. "So it could be something that he could be the ideal candidate if he wants to step into the breach. I don't know (if he wants it), it will have to come from him. But even just in terms of until the end of the season till they regroup." Cawley added that his former club Shels will not be short of suitors for the vacancy given the growing status the club and league has enjoyed during Duff's three-and-a-half-year spell. "They won't be short on people interested in the job, even from across the water as well. There would be huge interest because of, again, what Damien has brought in terms of the interest, not just domestically but all over the UK as well," he said. But McMillan agreed that O'Brien would be the best bet particularly in light of the Linfield tie, given the 39-year-old's extensive knowledge of the squad. "(The managerial change) adds a little bit of confusion for Linfield and that's where I think from Shels' perspective, continuity for the next couple of weeks (is important), as Alan says, until the end of the season - but at least for the next month or two," said the former Dundalk striker. "Probably if I was a decision-maker in Shelbourne I think the most obvious thing to do is to try and ensure that Joey stays there. "If he's not committed to doing it long-term, at least have him there for the next month in charge to see through these games because I think if you're bringing in a new manager with such a short space of time to what are such crucial games, that's really hard to try (with) new tactics and everything that a new manager brings. It's really hard to hit the ground running into those games. "Continuity for Shelbourne will be really important and football's all about timing and I think it's right that Joey will stay there."
RTÉ News
24-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
RTÉ Soccer Podcast: Damien Duff's shock exit and what next for Shels? Ireland in the USA and brilliant Bohs
Former SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division title winners Alan Cawley and David McMillan join Raf Diallo to react to Damien Duff's shock Shelbourne exit, the European draw for League of Ireland clubs and the weekend's domestic results including Bohemians' derby win over Shamrock Rovers, while Shels midfielder Rachel Graham looks ahead to this week's two Republic of Ireland women's friendlies versus USA and details Saturday's league action. TIMESTAMPS 01:20 Alan and David give their takes on Damien Duff's unexpected decision to resign as Shelbourne manager on Sunday and how the void at Tolka Park might be filled in the shorter and longer-term. 23:25 David and Alan react to the Champions League and Conference League draws that have pitted Shelbourne against Linfield - first leg live on RTÉ on 9 July - and St Patrick's Athletic versus Lithuanian opponents. 32:35 Rachel discusses the Republic of Ireland women's two friendlies in the USA, what to expect from the world number one side and what the future may hold for Aoife Mannion and Heather Payne after being released by Manchester United and Everton respectively. 44:30 Rachel runs through Saturday's Women's Premier Division action including her Shelbourne side's win over Sligo Rovers where team-mate Kate Mooney plundered a hat-trick and their FAI Cup opponents Galway United put seven past Waterford. Plus, she talks about Damien Duff's impact at Shels at large. 56:15 Alan and David review the latest SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division matches including Bohemians' impressive derby win over leaders Shamrock Rovers, a vital victory for Sligo Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic continuing downturn in form, while David also shares his view on former club Dundalk who have seen their lead in the First Division whittled down to the bare minimum.
