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Back to Blog 31 July 2023

Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre looks to lighten its carbon footprint

As one of Ireland’s premier shopping destinations, Swords Pavilions in Dublin saw the need for  an energy partner that could support its transition to a more sustainable, and efficient energy model with its target of being Net Zero by 2030. 

The Challenge

Ian Hunter, Centre Director. Explains the company’s sustainability objective and why they chose ESB as an energy partner.  

“Swords Pavilions, along with its owners Hammerson and Irish Life, are committed to reducing the centre’s carbon footprint and playing our part in Ireland’s journey to net zero. We have worked with ESB's Smart Energy Services for several years, initially deploying EV chargers but our primary aim of this project was to significantly reduce our CO2 footprint and give us more certainty around energy costs during these volatile times. We recognise ESB’s role as leaders in this space and as trusted brand partners, and when we heard about their LEU renewables fund, it was an obvious decision to partner with them again.”

The Solution

For this specific project, ESB deployed a 330kWp rooftop solar PV installation on the roof of the centre, representing one of ESB's Smart Energy Services largest retail projects to date this year. This is a full turn-key approach which includes planning and grid connection as well as design, procure, installation and maintenance of the solar array. Once commissioned, ESB’s dedicated asset management team will actively monitor the asset on behalf of Swords Pavilions i ensuring it always performs optimally.

The Technology

Solar photovoltaic panels trap the sun’s energy in semiconductor materials such as silicon, which contain a high concentration of electrons. Light excites the electrons, causing them to move and generate electricity. 

The Results

This technology is due to be deployed later in the Summer 2023 and is expected to generate savings of 213 metric tonnes of carbon per annum. 

This project is part of ESB Smart Energy Service’s €75m fund which helps large energy users to decarbonise while making energy cost savings. Organisations  that  have already signed up to this initiative  include Medite Smartply, the Dublin Airport Authority, Coral Leisure, and Ardagh Glass.

Find out how your organisation can benefit from:  

• Unparalleled expertise in the energy sector  

• An international network of technology partners  

• Advanced energy monitoring and analytics  

• Project financing with no up-front investment required 

• Innovative energy saving technologies 

Our €75 million Smart Energy Services Fund is available to help large energy users. Talk to us today.