Irish renewable energy specialist VERDE Energy Group has commenced construction of a 5 MW ground-mounted solar farm at Aurivo's Ballaghaderreen facility in Co. Roscommon, according to The Cork, under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement representing an investment of over €5 million.

The project will comprise 7,784 solar panels and 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.

Delivered through VERDE Energy Group's partnership with Octopus Energy Generation, the project enables Aurivo to access renewable electricity without significant upfront capital investment. The PPA model transfers the financing burden from the end user to the energy developer, providing Aurivo with greater long-term energy cost certainty and reduced exposure to future price volatility.

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. 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."

Aurivo project manager Marty Dervin 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."

Beyond the Ballaghaderreen development, VERDE Energy Group is also delivering additional grid resilience and energy infrastructure projects across a number of Aurivo sites, supporting the co-operative's wider energy strategy.

The project is described as one of Ireland's largest privately funded commercial and industrial solar developments, reflecting growing momentum among Irish businesses to accelerate decarbonisation through PPA structures that remove the requirement for upfront capital while delivering immediate operational and financial benefits from on-site renewable generation.