About ESBIE > Media Centre

October 2009
Galway - Mayo Institute of Technology & ESBIE lead the way with Green Energy

In a significant move, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) is to source its electricity from ESB Independent Energy (ESBIE) for the next 12 months in a deal worth circa 400k, it was announced today. The agreement will see ESBIE provide GMIT’s multiple campuses with circa 4.5 million kWhrs of renewable energy.

David Lee, Buildings and Estates Manger, GMIT said “The decision to move to ESBIE was an easy one to make; we can continue to develop the green ethos of the Institute by reducing the campus’s carbon emissions while getting great value for money.

“With Government public procurement recommendations focused on adopting green and renewable energy options, ESBIE offered us a service that met all of our needs – a cost effective and environmentally responsible solution that also allowed us to fulfill our procurement obligations.”

“GMIT is delighted to be able to significantly reduce its annual expenditure on electricity. In these times of limited funding and in tandem with leading by example, GMIT is reducing its carbon footprint by purchasing electricity which is certified by ESBIE as being produced using green methods of electricity generation” explained David Lee, Buildings and Estates Manger, GMIT.

Liam Molloy, Managing Director, ESBIE said, “We are always delighted when third-level institutions come on board with ESBIE. Their unique place in society gives them the opportunity to lead the way in the education and implementation of good environmental practice.

“We can provide a highly tailored energy solution for this multi-campus institute and deliver the third level students of the area with a first class service. GMIT is at the forefront of developing the educational potential of 9000 students in the Galway-Mayo region and it makes sense for them to adopt a forward looking, green solution to meet their energy requirements,” he said.

The ESBIE commitment to alternative energy, which offers corporate and non residential customers environmentally sustainable products, has made it a significant player with corporate entities and state organisations in the region. ESBIE has secured contracts to date with Galway City Council, Covidien Healthcare Galway and Athlone IT.

The power from this deal will be sourced from the ESBIE’s increasing portfolio of renewable energy including the 34.5MW wind farm in Mountain Lodge in Cavan and eventually by the 20MW, 8 turbine wind farm at Hunters Hill in Co Tyrone which is currently in development.

For further information please contact:

John Conlon
ESB Independent Energy
Tel: 01 8867343
Mobile: 0871246779