Munster Rugby & Pinergy Connect Solar Panels At Virgin Media Park

Munster Rugby and Pinergy have today announced the final connection & switch on of phase one of the 255 kWp solar installation on the roof of Cork’s Virgin Media Park.

This partnership sees Virgin Media Park’s energy needs fulfilled by the installation with excess energy being repurposed to the national grid.

This is the first phase of instalment and sees Pinergy supporting Munster Rugby’s participation in the UN Sports for Climate Action framework, an ambition to become Net Zero by 2040.

Recognisable from Pinergy’s sponsorship of the URC coverage on RTÉ and TG4, the panels allow Pinergy to help provide renewable energy whilst helping Munster Rugby to optimise consumption through smart measurement of their electricity and LED lighting retrofits.

The installation continues Pinergy’s support for Munster Rugby’s objective to become one of the most sustainable brands in world rugby. As phase one commences, the second installation phase aims to coincide with the construction of Munster Rugby’s Centre of Excellence, a Virgin Media Park based facility primarily for Munster Rugby’s underage sides and the surrounding communities with local clubs, schools and groups set to benefit.

As part of their sustainability focus, Pinergy last year installed the latest EV charging technology for Munster Rugby’s stadia along with selected Munster Rugby’s staff members’ homes & workplaces to empower them to have a full charged battery every morning when travelling to and from training and matchday venues. The Munster Rugby staff included in the partnership range from Admin, Coaches, Development Officers and Players.

Based on their needs, staff members are supported with the new Pinergy PowerUp App for EV drivers which enables the drivers to control and manage their charging needs. In November 2022, Munster Rugby – having taken steps to reduce carbon emissions since 2008, first signalled their ambition to become one of the most sustainable clubs in world rugby by becoming one of a number of signatories to the Sports for Climate Action Framework (SC4A), run by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Munster Rugby has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040 and will work closely with Pinergy, Ireland’s leading renewable energy supplier, over the next 10 years to achieve these goals. Pinergy will serve as a lead partner to Munster Rugby in the development and implementation of its sustainability policy.

Since 2017, Pinergy has supported Munster through providing the province not just with renewable energy as the Official Energy Partner, but with the essential expertise to efficiently manage their energy.

Committed to powering the future in Munster Rugby, Pinergy are proud title sponsors of the Pinergy Munster Schools Boys and Girls Senior Cups continuing to back the future of rugby in the province.

Speaking at the announcement, Ian Flanagan, Munster Rugby Chief Executive Officer, said: “At Munster Rugby, we are proud to continue developing our sustainable habits to ensure our ambitions for a greener future remain the priority. The newest installation has brought us one step closer to achieving our ambitions.

“This partnership with Pinergy continues to go from strength to strength and we are delighted to see all the hard work, and energy, continuing to make a real difference.”

Pinergy Chief Executive Officer, Enda Gunnell commented: “It is an exciting day for Pinergy and Munster Rugby as we officially switch on the first phase of this significant solar project at Virgin Media Park.

“Tremendous work and collaboration between Pinergy and Munster Rugby has been undertaken and highlights our commitment to achieving the same ambitions and values for a better, more sustainable future. This new partnership directly supports Munster Rugby, their staff and facilities at the stadium ensuring the sustainability of Munster Rugby remains a priority for the future.

“We look forward to continue these installations and building towards net-zero.”