Aurivo Co-operative Society has announced a multi-million investment in a first-of-its-kind wood pellet burner and boiler system at its dairy ingredients facility in Ballaghaderreen.

The investment is co-funded by the Shared Island Sustainability Capital Grant scheme delivered by Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland.

Once operational, the new boiler system will expand the facility’s use of renewable biomass and replace a large proportion of the fossil fuel currently consumed onsite.

The investment is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 7,500t of CO₂ annually.

Aurivo sustainability committment

Fueled by locally supplied, sustainably certified wood pellets, Aurivo has said that the new energy infrastructure will help anchor more economic value within the all-island supply chain while supporting indigenous industry.

By prioritising regional sourcing, the company said it reinforces Aurivo’s cooperative ethos, delivering long-term value not only for its farmer members and customers, but also for the wider rural economy.

The biomass system is also expected to provide significantly greater energy cost certainty.

Moving away from imported fossil fuels towards a stable, renewable certified fuel source is expected to protect the business from the volatility that has marked global energy markets in recent years.

According to Aurivo, the project will also support local employment across the construction, engineering and supply chain.

The Shared Island Sustainability Capital Grant is part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme delivered by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.

Minister of State for small business, retail and employment, Alan Dillon said: “Delivered through the Shared Island Sustainability Capital Grant Scheme, this investment by Aurivo highlights the impact of strategic partnership in accelerating industrial climate action while strengthening regional economic resilience.

"Today’s announcement demonstrates what can be achieved when industry and state partners work together with ambition.

"Just as importantly, sourcing sustainably certified biomass ensures that more of the economic benefit remains here within the local economy, supporting jobs and regional enterprise."

CEO of Aurivo Co-operative Society, Donal Tierney added: "This multi-million investment represents a transformative step in reducing the carbon footprint of our dairy ingredients facility while strengthening the long-term resilience of our operations.

"As a cooperative, sustainability is central to how we create enduring value for our members, customers and communities.

Head of food and sustainability at Enterprise Ireland, Tom Cusack said: “A key goal for Enterprise Ireland is to support companies to make the transition to the low-carbon, resource-efficient economy of the future and innovative solutions like Aurivo’s wood pellet burner and boiler system supports this critical agenda."