Four healthcare firms in €30m wind turbine plan for harbour

FOUR healthcare companies are planning a €30 million wind turbine project in Cork Harbour because of the high price of electricity.

Centocor, DePuy, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis have formed the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group, which aims to build eight wind turbines on four sites locally.

The companies say it will reduce their carbon footprint of each factory by up to 30% – or up to 22,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum – while significantly reducing their operating costs.

As Ireland has one of the highest energy costs in Europe, the companies have been looking at ways to reduce costs in order to remain competitive.

The wind energy project represents the latest initiative by each of the four companies involved to bring their energy costs down to a sustainable level.

Gerry Collins, vice president of Centocor Biologics Ireland, said the plan will have a significant environmental benefit.

“Each of the companies involved in this project has a strong commitment to improving environmental performance. This project will reduce each site’s use of electricity generated through carbon generating means by up to 30%, reducing the impact of our operations on the environment.”

James Winters, plant manager at DePuy Ireland, said by reducing the cost of operations, each company would make itself more attractive for further investment.

“This project will help ensure that Cork remains a viable location for continued investment and operations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Finbar Whyte, managing director of GlaxoSmithKline, said the companies are committed to engaging with the local community and ensuring that people in the harbour area are as informed as soon as possible about the project.

Novartis general manager John Alexander said the project would be one of the first of its type in the world.

“The creation of the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group has taken advantage of the expertise and innovative spirit that exists in Ireland. By bringing the four sites together, this project has shown that Ireland remains a centre for excellence in manufacturing, efficiency and innovation.”

As part of the public consultation process, open days are being held next week. The public can view the plans for the project at the National Maritime College, Ringaskiddy, on Tuesday next from 4pm-6pm and on Wednesday, from 7pm-9pm.

Information sessions will also be held in the Commodore Hotel, Cobh, on Tuesday from 7pm-9pm and Wednesday between 4pm and 6pm.