VERDE Energy Group and Irish dairy cooperative Aurivo Co-operative Society have commenced construction of a 5MW ground-mounted solar farm at Aurivo's dairy ingredients facility in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, delivered through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement with Octopus Energy Generation, as reported by the Irish Independent.

The project, representing an investment of more than €5 million, will comprise 7,784 solar panels across a 5.78-hectare site. Once operational, the farm is expected to generate 4,700,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually, offsetting approximately 1,053 metric tonnes of CO2 each year. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026.

The PPA model, delivered through VERDE Energy Group's partnership with Octopus Energy Generation, enables Aurivo to access renewable electricity without the need for significant upfront capital investment, providing immediate energy cost savings and long-term price certainty.

Donal Tierney, CEO of Aurivo Co-operative Society, said: "Working with VERDE Energy Group has enabled us to deliver a substantial renewable energy project through a flexible commercial model that aligns with our operational and financial objectives. The Ballaghaderreen solar farm will play an important role in reducing both our carbon footprint and our exposure to future energy price volatility. This is another important step in Aurivo's sustainability journey and demonstrates our commitment to supporting a lower-carbon future for our members, customers and the communities we serve."

Paul Martin, CEO of VERDE Energy Group, said: "This project demonstrates how Irish businesses can accelerate their transition to renewable energy through innovative financing models. Aurivo has shown strong leadership by investing in a cleaner, more resilient energy future, and we are delighted to partner with them on a project of this scale. Power Purchase Agreements remove one of the biggest barriers to renewable energy adoption by eliminating the need for significant upfront capital investment. Businesses can benefit immediately from locally generated renewable electricity, greater energy price certainty, and lower carbon emissions."

The Ballaghaderreen solar farm follows Aurivo's separately announced €12 million investment in a wood pellet boiler system at the same site earlier in 2026, co-funded under the Shared Island Sustainability Capital Grant Scheme, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 7,500 tonnes of CO2 annually. VERDE Energy Group is also delivering additional grid resilience and energy infrastructure projects across other Aurivo sites.