Astellas Ireland achieving significant sustainable energy goals
The Astellas Killorglin site is reaping the benefits from investing in several energy efficiency projects.
Background
Astellas Ireland Co., Ltd is a subsidiary of the Japanese multinational Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas Ireland’s Kerry plant in Killorglin currently employs over 380 staff.
The Kerry plant formulates Prograf, Astellas' important and innovative immunosuppressant drug, which is used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. It utilises the latest encapsulation, ampoule filling and packaging technology, with worldwide distribution managed by the facility.
LIEN
Astellas Ireland Co., Ltd is a member of SEAI’s Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN) since 2007. LIEN is a network of ~200 large companies who, with support from SEAI, work together to improve their energy performance, reduce emissions in line with national targets and inspire others to follow. SEAI provides free expert advice, training, briefings and special working groups for LIEN members.
2024 energy efficiency projects
Astellas are committed to reducing their environmental impact through the reduction of emissions. In 2024 the Killorglin site assessed over 30 energy projects, conducted feasibility studies, engaged with staff and they completed several energy saving projects. These included:
- 1.6MW Solar PV installation generating 1.4GWH of renewable electricity annually.
- Air handling unit (AHU) upgrades with thermal wheel heat recovery technology.
- Replacement of belt driven motor extract fans with variable speed drives (VSD).
- Integration of admin areas into main chilled water system and retirement of condenser units.
- Improved insulation on steam and condensate lines.
Project support
Astellas Killorglin received financial support from IDA Ireland under the Green Capital Support Scheme.
The site is also working with an obligated party (an energy supplier or distributor) as part of the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme to secure support for these projects.
Results
The Energy Management Committee delivered over 620,000kWh of energy savings in 2024. This is a 3% reduction.
They increased on-site renewable generation by 9%, bringing the site’s total renewable energy contribution to 71%. There was a total emissions reduction of 579 tCO2 in 2024.
Astellas Ireland is on course to exceed the 2030 Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) target of less than 45 tCO2 emissions. SBTi gives businesses a clear path to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with climate science.
What’s next?
The Energy Management Committee will continue to implement energy saving measures in line with the site’s annual energy reduction target.
A significant project will be replacing the current 800KW wind turbine with a 2.3MW wind turbine.
They aim to achieve the target of 84% of the site’s total energy demand to be generated by on-site renewable sources by 2027.
The final step to achieving carbon neutrality for the site will be by incorporating hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) into the backup generation systems.
SEAI's Large Industry Network (LIEN) (opens in a new tab)
