Category: <span>News</span>

ActionZero and Eurofarm Foods have announced a collaboration that will set out to decarbonise heat in the processing of meat.

A solution was designed and built in Ireland and was installed in the Duleek, Co Meath site with the objective of eliminating oil fired steam boilers from the site and reducing CO₂ emissions and prime energy use. 

Eurofarm Foods CEO Michael Fox said: “Our number one priority is the food safety and quality of the food that we produce. Hot water demand for plant hygiene and sterilisation of equipment to ensure a clean production process for food safety was an enormous cost, both financially and environmentally.

“Now, with the EscoPod, we have massively reduced our energy use and carbon emissions, whilst improving control of our hot water requirements.”

General Manager of Eurofarm, Ciaran Boyle said “Decarbonisation of heat is not easy, but when you achieve it whilst also making financial savings and improving the process that guarantees food quality – it’s a win/win.

“We’re looking forward to the result of a review with ActionZero to determine the next step towards zero carbon.”

Due to grid constraints, the patented Hybrid EscoPod version was chosen. A heat-pump solution, powered with electricity generated by LPG driven microturbines, delivers water at >85°C. The existing oil-fired steam boiler was replaced entirely.

Also, the patented EscoPod blending system reliably manages the delivery of hot water to process at the various temperatures required. Financial savings of 65%, and CO₂ savings of over 850 tonnes/yr. were achieved.

Denis Collins, ActionZero CEO said: “This is a pioneering moment for the food processing industry.

“This collaboration between ActionZero and Eurofarms has produced a ground-breaking moment for the decarbonisation of hot water and heat – significantly lowering emissions and cost – a perfect storm.

“We respect Eurofarm’s vision, industry leadership and courage. We will accelerate our ActionZero Escopod solution across industry.

“It also accelerates the ActionZero family of companies to support Ireland and beyond – a moonshot moment to decarbonise Ireland, build/deploy critical global export products and markets, deliver green hydrogen energy, accelerate renewables integration.”

ActionZero becomes part of a suite of green energy companies supported by Pearse Flynn

Two of the country’s leading green energy companies – Energy Services and Straightline Energy Solutions – have announced a merger that will create a new company to help industry and businesses to dramatically reduce their carbon footprint.

The new company – ActionZero – has developed a patented turnkey technology called the EscoPod^TM, which generates heat in a process that eliminates the need for fossil fuel. In particular, it offers a solution for difficult to decarbonise high temperature heat across a range of market sectors.

The technology is integrated with an analytics platform that uses data to optimise efficiency and report on the transition to green, renewable energy. The CEO of the newly merged entity is Denis Collins, a former global executive with IBM, and previous chairman of IDA Ireland Regional Development.

ActionZero presently has 22 staff based in Cork and Kerry, with sales staff deployed throughout Ireland. It’s expected to add a further 80 jobs over the next three years as demand increases for its services.

Energy Services was established as a power and energy consultancy 28 years ago by Cork businessman Tom Lynch, and has operated in over 16 countries around the globe. Straightline Energy Solutions has a strong track record of developing innovative green technologies for use in industry.

The new firm, ActionZero, is one of a suite of green energy companies in which businessman Pearse Flynn has a major interest. 

CEO of ActionZero Denis Collins said, “I’ve always had a passion for combining commercial opportunity and social good, and ActionZero ticks both of those boxes. It’s no secret that we’re facing a climate crisis and as the world continues to push towards a zero-emissions future, we’re here to make that a reality. There’s a significant global market opportunity and ActionZero is a highly skilled organisation that clearly addresses that, delivering fully funded solutions through patented technology and analytics to make a better planet for all.”

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD has welcomed the announcement, and said, “This is an exciting jobs announcement for Cork and the wider Munster region. Ireland’s ambition is to more than halve carbon emissions over the course of this decade. We need all sectors working together, developing new cutting-edge technology and ActionZero is an example of that. I’m looking forward to seeing Denis and the team at ActionZero bring value and growth as well as high-quality jobs to our energy sector in the coming years.”

The EscoPod^TM is coming to market at a time when companies are struggling to meet increasing demands to decarbonise existing facilities. Initial target companies include those in the food, healthcare, hospitality and commercial sectors.

ActionZero is at an advanced stage of negotiations with a number of companies looking to deploy the new technology, which will enable their facilities to become fossil fuel-free, generating their heat requirements emissions-free using green renewable electricity.

Denis added, “The Munster region will be the place to be as we strive to create a cluster of energy-focused organisations in our area that will serve the world as a global energy hub. Together we can create a triple helix to collaborate with industry, government, public sector and academia all working towards the common goal of a future free of emissions. The road to zero starts here and it’s one I’m very proud to be on.”

The EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 – an economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The Irish Government wants Ireland to cut its emissions by 51% by 2030.

Photo credit: Denis Collins CEO of ActionZero. Picture: David Keane.