Supplying 19 per cent of the site's electricity in 2023, the turbine has generated over 75,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity—enough to power approximately 17,000 homes for a year—and has prevented over 44,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) from being released into the grid.
Standing 100 metres tall with 50-metre blades, the Enercon 3MW wind turbine was the tallest in Ireland at the time of its construction, which took nearly 30,000 hours. Supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the turbine achieved full financial payback within six years, demonstrating its economic viability in addition to its environmental benefits.
Edel Collins, General Manager at Thermo Fisher Cork, said: "This is a major milestone for the Cork site. When the turbine was first switched on ten years ago, it ignited our sustainability journey in earnest. Since then, our award-winning Energy Management Team has grown and has delivered further energy reductions of over 10,000 MWhs since 2022.
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"From its detailed construction process to its commissioning in 2014, this turbine exemplifies sustainable energy projects with tangible outcomes that are delivered through vision and collaboration. At Thermo Fisher, our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Thermo Fisher has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions across our entire value chain by 2050, and a 50.4% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 emissions by the year 2030. I look forward to what the next ten years will bring on our journey to a more sustainable future."
Michael Lohan, CEO at IDA Ireland said: "Sustainable projects like the Enercon 3MW wind turbine at Thermo Fisher’s Cork site are very much aligned to IDA Ireland’s renewable energy goals and sustainable economic growth. By integrating renewable energy generation into their operations, organisations like Thermo Fisher are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also setting a strong example for the industry."
The wind turbine represents a steadfast commitment to sustainability. The site has maintained ISO50001 Energy Management System certification since 2012 and has implemented significant energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects over the past decade.
These projects include upgrades to the Heating Ventilation and Air Condition systems, thermal system upgrades, and replacing a waste heat boiler. This is in addition to long term commitment to the protecting and enhancing the local environment, a commitment that began in 1978 with the development of a bird shelter.
