The landmark renewable energy project will see almost four hectares of rooftop space converted into a clean energy asset, delivering 6MW through an SSE Airtricity PPA partnership.
07 July 2026, Dublin – Activ8 Solar Energies has commenced work on what will become Ireland’s largest rooftop solar installation for Mannok, one of Ireland and the UK’s leading manufacturers of construction products and plastic packaging, marking a significant step forward in the decarbonisation of Irish industry.
Delivered through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SSE Airtricity, the 6MW solar project is now under development across 3.88 hectares of rooftop space at Mannok’s manufacturing facilities in Co. Cavan. Once completed and energised, the installation will comprise of approximately 10,000 solar panels and will provide a significant portion of Mannok’s overall electricity demand while avoiding an estimated 792 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Spanning an area equivalent to almost three GAA pitches once complete, the project highlights the growing role of onsite renewable energy in helping Irish industry reduce emissions, manage energy costs and strengthen operational resilience. As one of Ireland and the UK’s most diverse manufacturers of construction products and plastic packaging, the investment in what will become Ireland’s largest rooftop solar installation demonstrates Mannok’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and long-term energy resilience.
“This project marks a major milestone for both Activ8 and Mannok,” said Ciaran Marron, CEO of Activ8 Energies. “The commencement of Ireland’s largest rooftop solar installation demonstrates what can be achieved when ambitious businesses invest in renewable energy at scale. By investing in this significant solar project, Mannok is taking a meaningful step towards reducing emissions, strengthening energy resilience and helping to drive transition to a lower-carbon future.”
Speaking on the announcement Dara O’Reilly, CEO of Mannok, said: “Sustainability is an increasingly important part of how we operate as a business. This project represents another significant step in that journey. Once complete, the installation will enable us to generate renewable electricity onsite, helping us to reduce our carbon footprint while enhancing the resilience of our manufacturing operations. We are proud to partner with Activ8 and SSE Airtricity on a project that demonstrates our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Mannok’s 2030 Vision is our roadmap to decarbonisation and that this project is another significant step in that direction.”
Structured as a fully funded Power Purchase Agreement with SSE Airtricity, the project will enable Mannok to benefit from onsite renewable electricity generation without upfront capital investment.
“Projects like this highlight the growing importance of Power Purchase Agreements in delivering long-term energy price certainty for Irish industry, while also supporting the transition to lower-carbon operations,” said Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity. “By removing the need for upfront capital investment, businesses can access renewable energy solutions with immediate benefits and predictable costs. This project is made possible by our fully funded solar initiative announced with Activ8 earlier this year and demonstrates our commitment to helping customers decarbonise with confidence. We are delighted to partner with Mannok on this landmark development.”
The project marks a significant milestone for Activ8, as the company celebrates 20 years in business. Supported through Activ8 and SSE Airtricity’s funded solar initiative worth up to €200 million, this development highlights the growing opportunity for large industrial manufacturers to adopt onsite renewable energy without upfront capital costs. Through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Activ8 and SSE Airtricity fund, install and maintain the solar PV system, while Mannok benefits from purchasing the electricity generated at a reduced rate for the duration of the agreement.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact activ8@harrispr.ie.
About Activ8 Solar Energies
Activ8 Solar Energies is Ireland’s longest-established solar provider, with 20 years of experience and more than 350,000 solar panels installed nationwide. In partnership with SSE Airtricity, Activ8 is at the forefront of Ireland’s renewable energy transition, delivering innovative and reliable solar solutions tailored for Irish homes and businesses.
About Mannok
Mannok comprises two business units with production facilities located in Derrylin, County Fermanagh; Ballyconnell, County Cavan; Granard, County Longford, as well as a cement import facility in Rochester, Kent. It currently employs over 800 staff. Mannok Pack is a leading producer of rigid plastic packaging for the food sector in the UK and Ireland. Mannok Build is a leading supplier of construction inputs ranging from aggregates and cement, to insulation, precast concrete, rooftiles, aerated thermal concrete blocks and asphalt. Mannok is a subsidiary of Çimsa and part of the Sabancı Holding, one of Türkiye’s leading holding companies. Through Mannok’s 2030 Vision Sustainability Strategy, it is committed to its decarbonisation roadmap with the goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.
About SSE Airtricity
SSE Airtricity is one of Ireland’s leading energy providers, supplying electricity, gas and energy services to over 700,000 homes and businesses across the island of Ireland. Part of the SSE plc Group, SSE Airtricity is committed to driving the transition to a net zero energy system through investment in renewable energy, flexible solutions and innovative customer offerings. Through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), SSE Airtricity supports businesses in reducing carbon emissions, improving energy resilience and accessing clean electricity with no upfront capital investment.
Since 2008 SSE plc has invested significantly in Ireland and plans to invest €1.25bn in Ireland to 2030. SSE plc owns and operates 31 onshore wind farms across the island of Ireland, totalling 700MW, capable of generating enough wind power to power over half a million homes annually and offsetting over half a billion kilos in carbon emissions.
