The renewable solar energy provider, MarVal Power, has completed a major project for TINE Ireland Ltd, the Irish division of the Norwegian dairy co-op, TINE, in Mogeely, Co. Cork.

According to MarVal Power, the project will reduce the company’s carbon footprint by over 4,344 tons across the next two decades, which is the equivalent of planting 2,150 trees or avoiding 370 roundtrips from Cork to Oslo every year.

Norwegian ambassador to Ireland, Aslak Brun visited the site to meet with MarVal Power director, Fionnuala Carr and key members of Tine’s Norwegian and Irish staff.

The ambassador said: "This project is a shining example of Norwegian-Irish co-operation on the path to a greener future.

The project includes a customised solar PV system, designed to integrate with the existing electrical infrastructure at Tine’s high-volume processing site.

The installation is expected to self-generate approximately 650MWh of clean energy annually, about 10% of Tine’s energy needs, saving over 215 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

TINE's director of international operations, Ketil Haddeland, said the project is aligned with TINE's overall sustainability objectives.

"Our partnership with MarVal Power at our Irish site in Mogeely showcases how strategic investments in renewable energy can deliver strong environmental impact and operational efficiency,” he said.

Elsewhere in Co. Cork, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) Joint Symposium will take place this week, from May 13 to 15 at the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cork.

The event, co-organised by Teagasc, IDF, and University College Cork (UCC), will bring together over 250 delegates from 25 countries to explore the latest scientific and industrial advances in dairy powders and recombined milk technologies.

This three-day international symposium features a programme of keynote lectures, technical presentations, and panel discussions.

Among those in attendance will be academics, industry leaders, technologists, policymakers, and students.