Glanbia Ireland works together with its farmers at every step along the supply chain to realise energy efficiencies for the betterment of the environment and the economic sustainability of the farm.
Working in partnership with SSE Airtricity and Activ8 Solar Energies, one of our latest innovations is FarmGen, a renewable solar energy solution that combines the collective knowledge, experience and expertise of all parties to bring a turn-key solar powered energy solution to Glanbia Ireland farmers.
This farm generated renewable energy initiative is designed to help our farmers evolve their business sustainably into the future, while improving energy efficiency on farm and reducing bills.
Following rooftop installation, FarmGen’s Solar PV system helps to power energy intensive processes on farm, reducing the costs of milk cooling, vacuum pumps and water heating. Combined these three processes account for around 80% of total milk parlour energy consumption.
It involves the installation of state-of-the-art Solar PV panels along with a smart monitoring system on each farm through Activ8 Solar Energies. The system monitors energy generation and consumption in real-time; helping farmers understand where and when energy is consumed, which assists in adapting behaviours that will reduce energy costs and improve sustainability.
As part of the solar offering, farms will have the ability to export excess electricity generated, enabling them to potentially profit from returning electricity on to the grid through the upcoming support scheme for microgeneration.