Activ8 Solar Energies and Gyproc Ireland have won Best Achievement in Harnessing Solar Energy at the Business Energy Achievement Awards 2026, honoured for building a 2.5 MWp solar PV system on a capped landfill within an energy intensive industrial setting. The award was presented at the Gala Ceremony on 16 September 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry.

The judges’ citation for the award reads: “This entrant demonstrated exceptional engineering ambition in harnessing solar energy within an energy intensive industrial setting. Building a 2.5 MWp solar PV system on a capped landfill is a significant achievement, creating a productive second life for decommissioned land while maintaining environmental integrity. The project delivers clear environmental and economic value, strengthening energy security and demonstrating the potential of solar investment at industrial scale.”

The recognition speaks to a question facing many industrial operators across Ireland: how to cut energy costs and emissions when land, capital and operational constraints limit the options. Industrial sites often face constraints on available space, and decommissioned land has traditionally been difficult to put to productive use.

The project places a 2.5 MWp solar PV system on a capped landfill, giving decommissioned land a productive second life while maintaining environmental integrity. That combination is what the judges singled out. It demonstrates that renewable generation can be delivered on sites that would not suit conventional development, without compromising the environmental safeguards that govern them.

The value extends beyond the site itself. The judges noted clear environmental and economic benefits, including strengthened energy security, a priority that continues to rise up the agenda for energy intensive businesses across the country.

The win also reflects the strength of partnership behind the project. Activ8 Solar Energies pointed to its collaboration with Gyproc Ireland, Saint-Gobain and SSE Airtricity as a win for everyone involved, a reminder that large scale solar delivery depends on aligned expertise from developer, host and energy partners.

For Ireland’s industrial sector, the lesson is practical. Solar investment at industrial scale does not need to wait for ideal sites. Capped landfill and other decommissioned land can become productive energy assets, widening the options for businesses seeking to cut emissions and strengthen energy security.

As the 2027 awards cycle approaches, this win sets a clear marker for engineering ambition in solar delivery.

View the full list of winners at the official awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for past highlights and full category details from Ireland's energy community.