The Shift in European Gas Supply

Europe's energy landscape has undergone a seismic shift in recent years. Historically, a significant portion of the continent's natural gas supply came from Russia, with Ukraine serving as a key transit route. However, the war in Ukraine has led to the elimination of gas pipelines through this region, forcing Europe to source gas from alternative suppliers, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. This disruption has caused unprecedented price spikes and heightened concerns about energy security.

Shannon Energy understands how these challenges affect businesses, especially large commercial organisations reliant on affordable, stable energy supplies. The ripple effects of these changes are being felt across Europe, into Ireland, with electricity prices becoming increasingly unpredictable. Our solar solutions can help organisations safeguard their electricity supply and protect against price fluctuations.

Electricity Price Volatility

The relationship between natural gas and electricity pricing is a critical concern. Gas-fired power plants still play a pivotal role in Ireland's electricity generation. As a result, any fluctuation in gas prices directly impacts electricity costs. The elimination of Russian gas from the market has tightened supply and driven prices to record highs.

Predictions for the coming years suggest this volatility will persist. Factors such as increased demand for renewable energy, grid constraints, and stricter climate policies further compound the challenge. For commercial organisations, the uncertainty of energy costs poses risks to both operational budgets and long-term planning.

The Impact on Commercial Organisations

For large commercial organisations, rising electricity prices translate into higher operational costs, squeezing profit margins and impacting competitiveness. In energy-intensive sectors, this volatility makes it increasingly difficult to forecast expenses and remain financially resilient. Moreover, businesses are under growing pressure to meet sustainability goals, adding another layer of complexity.

Companies in Ireland must now grapple with a dual challenge: reducing their carbon footprint while maintaining cost efficiency. Shannon Energy specialises in helping organisations navigate this transition, providing behind-the-meter solar solutions that tackle these issues head-on, helping companies remain competitive with challenging economic uncertainty.

Why Solar PV is the Solution

Solar PV offers businesses a reliable, cost-effective way to mitigate rising electricity prices. By generating electricity on-site, companies reduce their dependence on the grid and shield themselves from volatile market prices. Solar energy’s predictable costs make it a strategic investment for businesses looking to secure long-term energy stability.

Shannon Energy’s experience in large-scale commercial solar installations makes us the ideal partner for businesses seeking to make this transition, with more than 6MW in Operation and a further 250MW in development. We have completed largescale rooftop, ground-mount, and carport projects, helping organisations reduce energy costs and achieve sustainability targets. By working with Shannon Energy, businesses can unlock the following benefits:

• Immediate Savings: Reduce energy bills from day one with high-performing solar systems.
• Energy Independence: Gain control over energy consumption and limit exposure to external price fluctuations.
• ESG Alignment: Meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals with clean, renewable energy, as well as progress CSR initiatives.

Preparing for the Future

As electricity prices continue to rise, proactive planning is essential for businesses to stay competitive. Shannon Energy provides tailored solutions to help companies future-proof their energy strategy. Here’s how we can support your transition:

1. Energy Audits and Consultation: We analyse your energy usage and propose a tailored solution to provide you with the best solar PV installation for your needs.
2. Custom Solar Installations: Whether it’s a large rooftop, ground-mount system, or carport project, we design and install systems that maximise energy production and ROI.
3. Performance Monitoring: Our advanced monitoring and evaluation services ensure your system operates at peak efficiency, delivering consistent savings.
4. PPA Partnerships: Through our partnership with Electron Green, we offer flexible power purchase agreements (PPAs) that require no upfront investment, enabling businesses to reap the benefits of solar without financial strain.

The elimination of gas supplies through Ukraine from Russia has ushered in a new era of energy challenges for Europe, with rising electricity prices creating significant hurdles for businesses. However, these challenges also present an opportunity to embrace renewable energy and achieve energy independence.

At Shannon Energy, we are committed to helping commercial organisations make this transition seamlessly. With our expertise in solar PV installations and our customer-focused approach, we empower businesses to reduce costs, meet sustainability targets, and thrive in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Don’t wait for prices to climb further—contact Kale@ShannonEnergy.com today to learn how we can help future-proof your energy strategy.