A major medical devices manufacturer in Ireland is undertaking a €3 million upgrade of their Irish facilities to install solar panels and heat pumps.

Cook Medical intends to install 1MW worth of ground mounted solar panels on the grounds of the Limerick site, along with 1.2 megawatts of heat pumps to replace the existing chillers.

Other energy efficient improvements to their facility will include upgrades electronically commutated fans, and a new energy management system.

The investment is part of the company’s carbon reduction goals, with the new technologies helping to increase the operational efficiency of the facility in Castletroy and eventually offsetting approximately 50% of carbon emissions.

This project is expected to offset up to 269 tonnes of carbon annually, and over its 25-year life cycle it will remove a total of 6,725 tonnes of carbon.

Coupled with the procurement of additional green energy technologies, this will result in the removal of 60% of the carbon from the Cook Ireland site.

Commenting on the project, Bill Doherty, executive vice president and managing director of Cook Medical Europe, said, ‘’We are committed to making sustainable choices across our business and reducing our impact on the environment.”

“By integrating solar panels into our operations, we’re able to enhance our efficiency while also reducing our carbon footprint.”

Upon completion of this project, Cook Ireland will reduce its annual import of electricity by 19% and release that capacity back to the grid.

A 70% reduction in the annual use of natural gas consumption is expected from the installation of the heat pumps.

A planning application has been submitted to Limerick City and County Council. If successful, construction on this project is expected to begin in due course.

Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke said, “For almost 30 years, Cook Medical has been present in Ireland and today’s announcement of a €3 million investment in renewable and energy-saving technologies is fantastic news.”

“The combined plans are expected to offset 50% of their carbon emissions, which is in line with the Climate Action Plan to halve Ireland’s emissions by 2030.”

“It is really encouraging to see initiatives being taken by companies focused on carbon reduction measures, sustainability and protecting the environment for future generations. I wish Cook Medical success with these plans and all their future endeavours.”