In late 2023, the Marine Institute launched its second updated Climate Action Roadmap (“The Roadmap”). Sustainability and meeting climate challenges are core to the Marine Institute strategy, “Ocean Knowledge that Transforms and Inspires”, which results in priority, impetus, and resourcing being given to delivery of the Climate Action Roadmap that outlines the project pipeline and operational measures being taken to work towards ambitious 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

As part of this, the Institute sought to enhance its decarbonization program. The Marine Institute is now generating onsite renewable energy having installed two solar PV rooftop systems. Seven hundred eighty-three panels, producing up to 291,611 kWh/year of electricity, have been installed in the Institute’s Oranmore, Co Galway Headquarters, and a smaller 76-panel system, producing up to 29,395 kWh per year, was installed in the Newport, Co Mayo facilities.

The project was supported by KRA Renewables, and the Oranmore system was installed by Activ8 Solar Energies, with the Newport installation being conducted by PureVolt Solar.

Patricia Orme, Director of Corporate Services and Energy Performance Officer, commented, “The installation of these two solar PV systems is a significant milestone in the delivery of the targets set out in the Marine Institute’s Climate Action Roadmap. We look forward to seeing the results of this decarbonization project well into the future as we commit to public sector climate objectives.”

The Roadmap sets out further projects to be delivered over the next seven years in the areas of energy consumption reduction, energy awareness, and education.

The combined efforts of staff have resulted in many positives for the Institute already, including a 41% energy reduction in its Galway Headquarters since 2015.