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An energy firm whose clients include BMW and Boeing has been acquired by an SSE-backed Irish solar panel specialist looking to expand across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.

County Monaghan-based Activ8 Energies has completed the deal for Burnley’s Low Carbon Energy (LCE). Activ8 recently completed a £3m solar farm scheme at Liverpool John Lennon Airport that is set to provide 25% of the transport hub’s electricity, and LCE’s new owner says the latest deal will allow it to target more similar projects in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.

Low Carbon Energy was founded in 2009 by Ged and Maura Ennis and has worked on more than 300 º£½ÇÊÓƵ sites, delivering more than 60MW of installed solar capacity. Clients have included BMW, Porsche, Co-op, Boeing, Tata Steel and the NHS.

LCE will keep its existing brand and will continue to be led by managing director Benedict Ennis, while founder Ged Ennis will remain as a non-executive director.

Activ8 calls itself Ireland’s leading solar panel provider and is aiming to become “the biggest commercial and industrial renewable energy provider in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ”. The company, which is 50% owned by SSE Airtricity, is aiming to double both turnover and installed solar capacity over the coming years.

Ciarán Marron, CEO of Activ8 Solar Energies, said: “This acquisition marks a transformative moment for Activ8 as we accelerate our º£½ÇÊÓƵ growth ambitions.

“By combining the strengths of Activ8 and Low Carbon Energy, we’re better equipped than ever to deliver innovative, large-scale energy solutions for clients seeking sustainable energy security.”

Benedict Ennis, managing director of Low Carbon Energy, said: “This partnership is an exciting step forward for everyone at LCE. Activ8’s track record and market leadership will allow us to build on our foundations, expand our team, and deliver more projects at greater scale, nationwide. Our clients will benefit from our enhanced capacity and a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and customer focus.”