ELECTRIC Ireland has beaten a clutch of other utilities to land a major renewable energy contract to supply power to the Stormont Executive in a move it claims will save the Northern Ireland taxpayer £31 million.
Under the terms of the deal, which is seen as an important investment in the renewable recovery, it will see government department buildings and more than 50 organisations in the north benefitting from cost savings.
The process was led by the Department of Finance’s construction and procurement delivery team, working in collaboration with the Department for the Economy and the Strategic Investment Board.
Properties belonging to the Education Authority, further education colleges and universities will all see substantial savings as part of the announcement.
The contract builds on Electric Ireland’s already considerable local government footprint, with confirmation in October that it had secured a £13m deal to provide 10 local authorities in the north with renewable energy.
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy said: “This contract shows how public procurement can deliver financial and environmental benefits.
“Energy management across our diverse portfolio of properties is fundamental to the efficient operation of the government estate, and I welcome the significant savings achieved through this contract with Electric Ireland.”
He added: “We have a responsibility to develop sustainability in government buildings, and this move to using 100 per cent renewable electricity is a reflection of our commitments to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise the impact of climate change.”
Dermot McArdle, head of business markets for Electric Ireland, said: “This is significant as the Executive seeks to achieve its carbon emission targets and make crucial savings at this challenging time.
“Winning the contract is a strong recognition of the ability and expertise of our team who provide exemplary advice, delivering innovative and flexible energy solutions across our public and private sector clients.
“The supply of 100 per cent renewable energy to government departments and organisations across a range of locations builds on our low carbon credentials, and we are looking forward to working collaboratively with both central and local government partners and to providing valuable insights in helping them achieve a sustainable future.”
