Economy
Renewables breakthrough for Ikea with purchase of first Irish wind farm
Swedish furniture store Ikea has purchased an Irish wind farm, signalling its intention to crack the renewable energy industry in the UK and Ireland.
The development, located in Carrickeeny on the west coast, is due for completion in 2014 and will provide clean power to the retail giant’s Dublin and Belfast stores. It is 7.65 megawatts (MW) in capacity, which has the capability of powering 5,500 homes a year.
In a statement, Ikea said it “will sell electricity generated by the wind farm to Irish energy supply company Vayu who will supply electricity to the retailer’s Dublin and Belfast stores under a 15-year contract.”
Vayu was recently announced as the only company to provide 100% renewable energy to its Irish customers.
Speaking at the announcement, Joanna Yarrow, head of sustainability Ikea UK and Ireland, said, “Our investments in renewable energy not only help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from our operations in Ireland, but also, together with our energy efficiency efforts, help to control our electricity costs so we can pass any benefits to our customers by continuing to offer high quality home furnishings at low prices.”
Ikea has set aside €1.5 billion for investment in renewable energy up to 2015. Other wind projects owned by the group are located in Germany, France, Poland, Denmark and Sweden.
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