Irish government recently announced ambitious new sectoral emissions ceilings, setting Ireland on a pathway to turn the tide on climate change. Dublin based company, Manhattan Peanuts Ltd, best known for its familiar Manhattan Popcorn, has already hit industry targets of 35 percent less emissions eight years ahead of the 2030 deadline. Manhattan partnered with UrbanVolt to install a solar array at their site in Finglas, Co. Dublin in 2021. By generating their own clean energy, Manhattan will save 152 metric tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to driving around the world 15 times!
The massive solar array at the facility has generated close to 80,000 kWh of electricity since it started operating in February 2022. During the months of June and July 2022, 60% of all of all energy usage came from the solar panels. This is expected to peak in August and over the course of a calendar year, it is expected to average out that 40% of all energy usage will come from solar power.
UrbanVolt is an Irish clean energy company that helps businesses transition to solar energy. UrbanVolt help their clients reduce their reliance on fossil fuel energy and insulate themselves from the volatility of energy costs. They guarantee the fixed price for up to 30 years, protecting businesses for decades to come. UrbanVolt offer long term power purchase agreements and charge a fixed kWh rate for the power that is produced, with no upfront cost to the client.
Manhattan Peanuts Ltd is a 100% wholly owned Irish company employing over 50 people at its Finglas factory in Dublin. The company manufactures and distributes a range of snack foods including Salted popcorn, Cheddar Cheese Popcorn, Salted Peanuts, Dry Roasted Peanuts, Pistachio Nuts, Cashew Nuts, Chilli Nuts and Manhattan Crisps.
The company started in 1957 from humble beginnings when Managing Director, Donal O’Neill, pioneered the American method of popping corn here in Ireland. Manhattan came to Finglas in 1977 growing steadily to the size it is today.
Photograph by Andres Poveda.
