Greenvolt delivers 4MW solar farm for Sanofi plant in Waterford 

The new solar farm will prevent 950 tonnes of CO₂ annually

Pictured left to right: Richard Mackey, Head of Engineering, Sanofi; Mary Butler TD, Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with special responsibility as Government Chief Whip and the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health; Cian O Brien, Site Lead, Sanofi Ireland; and John Carty, Chief Commercial Officer, Greenvolt Next Ireland.

A new 4MW solar farm has been developed in Waterford for global biopharmaceutical company Sanofi.

The project, which has been delivered by renewable energy specialist Greenvolt Next, is already in operation and is generating nearly 3.2GWh of renewable electricity per year, preventing around 950 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

The agreement was structured under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), with Greenvolt Next to operate and maintain the solar PV plant under a 20-year contract.

Established in Ireland more than 20 years ago, Sanofi develops and manufactures healthcare solutions across therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and vaccines.

Comprising more than 5,700 panels and 10 inverters, the new solar farm will cover around 20% of the site’s energy needs.

Its delivery was completed within a four-month schedule and comprised a multidisciplinary team of 100 people across design, engineering and installation.

The project was formally inaugurated in a ceremony attended by the Minister of State, Mary Butler. 

“This is an impressive initiative that represents a significant step forward for clean energy and sustainable infrastructure in Waterford," said Ms Butler.

"It is so important that we strive to continue developing smart energy solutions at community level. Such local investments in renewable energy are particularly important in the context of our national commitments and climate targets."

Owen Power, CEO of Greenvolt Next Ireland and UK, added: “This project is particularly meaningful for us, not only because it delivers a direct positive impact for the Waterford community, where Greenvolt Next is also based, but also because it reflects the trust placed in our expertise and execution capabilities by a global company of Sanofi’s scale."

Cian O Brien, Site Lead, Sanofi Ireland, said: “Generating our own renewable energy on-site is vital in helping us meet our sustainability targets, aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 across all scopes, with a trajectory towards carbon neutrality by 2030."