Boston Scientific
Utility-Scale Solar Energy Strategy
Boston Scientific operates within one of the most energy-intensive manufacturing environments in Ireland, where operational continuity, regulatory compliance, and long-term energy planning are all business-critical considerations. With increasing pressure around energy costs, carbon reduction, and sustainability reporting, the organisation sought a large-scale renewable energy solution capable of supporting both operational demand and broader ESG objectives across multiple manufacturing locations. Shannon Energy was engaged to develop and coordinate a utility-scale solar strategy designed around high-volume on-site energy consumption, grid integration, and long-term energy resilience.
The Challenge
Pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities operate with continuous electricity demand driven by cleanrooms, process equipment, environmental controls, and 24/7 production requirements.
For Boston Scientific, the challenge extended beyond simply introducing renewable energy generation. Any proposed solution needed to align with strict operational requirements, maintain energy reliability, and integrate effectively into existing infrastructure without disrupting production environments.
The project also needed to address increasing pressure around sustainability reporting, Guarantees of Origin (GOOs), and long-term energy cost exposure, while navigating grid constraints and the realities of large-scale energy consumption in Ireland.
Our Approach
Shannon Energy developed a tailored, engineering-led solar strategy designed specifically around the operational profile of multiple pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
Detailed energy profiling was carried out to align solar generation with daytime load demand across three separate locations. The strategy focused heavily on maximising self-consumption, ensuring generated electricity could be used directly within facility operations rather than relying on grid export.
Ground-mounted solar arrays were developed across three counties, utilising existing grid infrastructure and supporting long-term operational resilience. The project was delivered as part of a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA), helping align commercial performance with sustainability objectives.
Delivery
Energy-Led System Design
A tailored solar strategy was developed around the operational energy profile of three pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, ensuring generation aligned closely with daytime demand and on-site consumption.
Infrastructure & Grid Coordination
Ground-mounted solar arrays were deployed across three counties, leveraging existing grid infrastructure and coordinating connection requirements with ESB Networks.
Commercial & Regulatory Alignment
The project was delivered as part of a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA), with Guarantees of Origin (GOOs) secured to support sustainability reporting and regulatory objectives.
Outcome
The project delivered a large-scale renewable energy solution aligned to the operational realities of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Ireland. By combining engineering-led system design with commercial and regulatory coordination, Shannon Energy helped reduce long-term energy costs while strengthening sustainability and energy resilience across multiple facilities.
24MWp Capacity
Large-scale ground-mounted solar deployment designed across three pharmaceutical manufacturing locations.
36 GWh Annual Generation
System designed to maximise high-volume on-site renewable energy consumption.
25% Annual Savings
Projected reduction in electricity costs through reduced reliance on grid energy.
Operational Resilience
Improved long-term energy stability, sustainability reporting alignment, and reduced carbon impact across all facilities.
Start with the Energy Strategy & Solar Readiness Study
A structured assessment that clarifies feasibility, project risks, and the most practical pathway to on-site solar.
Start the Conversation