Saturday, 11 October 2025
Mutual Energy Powers Moyle Interconnector Site with Solar Investment Mutual Energy, a leading energy company in Northern Ireland, has taken a significant step in its journey toward decarbonising operations with the installation of a 490-panel solar photovoltaic (PV) array at its Moyle Interconnector converter site in County Antrim. The solar project demonstrates the company’s commitment […]
Mutual Energy, a leading energy company in Northern Ireland, has taken a significant step in its journey toward decarbonising operations with the installation of a 490-panel solar photovoltaic (PV) array at its Moyle Interconnector converter site in County Antrim. The solar project demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting Northern Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon energy future.
The Moyle Interconnector is a vital piece of infrastructure that links Northern Ireland’s electricity grid with Scotland’s. Commissioned in 2001, the undersea cable plays a key role in energy security, allowing electricity to flow between markets and helping to balance supply and demand.
By installing on-site solar generation, Mutual Energy enhances the sustainability of this critical infrastructure, ensuring its operations rely less on carbon-intensive grid electricity.
The newly installed solar array has a peak generation capacity of 190 kilowatts (KW) and will supply low-carbon electricity directly to the Moyle Interconnector site. All electricity generated by the panels will be used on-site, reducing the facility’s dependence on grid-supplied power and maximising the benefits of renewable energy.
The installation was delivered by Dowds Group, a Ballymena-based contractor, with support from Siemens, Mutual Energy’s long-term maintenance provider for the Moyle Interconnector. The collaboration between local and international expertise ensured smooth integration into the facility’s existing energy infrastructure.
By generating clean energy on-site, Mutual Energy is actively reducing its carbon footprint while reinforcing the resilience and sustainability of its operations. The company’s leadership sees this initiative as part of a broader responsibility to lead by example in the face of climate challenges.
Mutual Energy’s investment directly addresses Scope 2 emissions, which are indirect greenhouse gas emissions from purchased electricity. By generating solar power on-site, the company is decreasing its reliance on carbon-intensive electricity from the grid.
In the long term, investments like this may also lead to reductions in Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions from operations) if they are paired with electrification of backup generators, heating systems, or transport vehicles. This dual focus is key to aligning corporate operations with Science Based Targets and global net-zero ambitions.
Chief Executive Paddy Larkin emphasized that the installation is just one of several initiatives the company is undertaking to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. Mutual Energy views energy transition not as a buzzword, but as a corporate responsibility, especially as the operator of key infrastructure in the region.
“By generating low carbon electricity on site, we are reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring our operations remain efficient and sustainably responsible,” said Larkin. “We are proud to work with Dowds Group and Siemens to deliver innovative solutions that support Northern Ireland’s journey to net zero.”
While wind energy dominates Northern Ireland’s renewable mix, solar PV remains underutilised, contributing only a small share of total renewable output. However, declining costs of solar panels and advances in on-site battery storage are making commercial solar more viable.
With this investment, Mutual Energy continues to align its operations with long-term sustainability goals. The solar installation supports the company’s ambition to contribute positively to the future of Northern Ireland’s energy system, through innovation, infrastructure, and cleaner technologies.
The solar array marks a tangible milestone in the company’s broader decarbonisation strategy and its commitment to being part of the solution to climate change while ensuring secure and efficient operation of critical energy assets.
Mutual Energy’s solar PV installation at the Moyle Interconnector site is a practical and impactful investment in renewable energy. By utilising on-site solar power, the company is reducing emissions, enhancing operational sustainability, and setting a standard for other infrastructure operators across Northern Ireland. As the region pushes toward net-zero goals, initiatives like this play a vital role in shaping a more resilient and low-carbon energy landscape.
This investment reflects not only a commitment to sustainability, but also a vision for a more secure, resilient, and environmentally responsible energy system. As Northern Ireland continues its journey toward a net-zero future, practical, scalable projects like this will be vital in achieving long-term climate and energy goals.
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