University College Cork signs first 100% renewable energy deal

University College Cork is to become the country’s first third-level institute to use electricity supplied entirely from renewable sources.

The college will be provided with 100% renewable energy from Electric Ireland over the next two years as part of the provider’s €150m government contract win.

The deal means UCC’s 96 sites across Cork will be provided with electricity generated solely from wind and biomass sources.

UCC energy manager, Denis Brosnan, said it reflected the college’s policy of environmental consideration and sustainable development.

“Renewable energy will account for 100% of electricity consumed on campus. When the contract for energy supply was being put together UCC insisted that 100% be sourced from renewable sources.

"It is very important as a university to support and promote sustainable and renewable energy,” said Mr Brosnan.

UCC is the first and only third-level institute in Ireland to be supplied with electricity entirely from renewable resources by Electric Ireland as part of the Office of Government Procurement Framework Agreement.

UCC currently uses roughly 12GWh a year, the equivalent of 2,300 households.

“Sourcing UCC’s electricity from 100% renewables aligns with our strategy of driving innovation in the renewables sector.

"For UCC to become the first third level institution to be supplied with 100% renewable energy as part of this OGP Framework Agreement shows a high level of trust in our experience, expertise and service delivery,” said Electric Ireland’s Tony Dunlea.