Big Laois-based business Certa goes green in purchase of renewable energy company

Laois-based fuel supply company Certa is diversifying into green energy with the purchase of solar and renewable energy specialists Alternative Energy Ireland (AEI).

The company, formerly known as Emo Oil, says it made the acquisition as part of its drive to become Ireland’s most progressive energy company.

The firm says the move will enable Certa’s commercial, industrial and domestic customers to make greener, sustainable choices and to transition to renewable energy solutions that reduce their carbon emissions and lower their energy costs.

Certa says AEI have been in operation since 2007 and is Ireland’s longest-established renewable energy specialists. They design and install renewable energy systems including Solar PV panels that generate electricity, Solar Thermal Panels that heat water, Heat Recovery Ventilation systems and home heat pumps.

The Portlaoise headquartered firm says AEI has helped thousands of homes, businesses and farms to become more sustainable and they have designed and installed Solar PV systems, LED lighting systems and EV charging facilities for a wide range of commercial customers, including Adare Manor, Woodies, Chadwicks and Stormont Castle.

Certa says it has a vision to become Ireland’s most progressive energy company. Its network of 39 unmanned, pay@pump forecourts is the largest of its kind in Ireland. It also operates 22 home heating depots across the country.

Certa adds that it is committed to reducing its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 or sooner. The company says the acquisition of AEI will also support its own energy transition programme, including the installation of solar PV panels that will enable more of its forecourts to generate their own power.

Certa has already transitioned its entire fleet of 100 delivery vehicles from diesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%. It has also helped other Irish businesses and events to decarbonise and to transition to the renewable fuel, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), John Sisk & Son Ltd., M50 Truck and Van
Centre, The National Ploughing Championships, the Irish Open and Electric Picnic.

It has already begun the rollout of HVO as a domestic product with the installation of Ireland’s first HVO pump at the Certa Lee Tunnel forecourt in Cork. More HVO pumps are planned for later this year.

Andrew Graham, Managing Director, Certa Ireland said Certa is delighted to acquire such an established and progressive business and we are excited to work with the AEI team.

"They share our passion for delivering innovative new products and solutions that allow businesses and households to decarbonise and to make greener choices to reduce their energy consumption and energy costs ,” he said.

Steven Bray, Founder and Managing Director of Alternative Energy Ireland, was happy to team up with Certa. 

“We are excited to join the Certa family and to be part of the wider DCC plc group which has a progressive vision for energy. There is a growing demand for renewable energy solutions that help customers to lower their carbon footprint, to become more sustainable and to save money. Our combined expertise and ambition empowers these customers to make changes
that benefit their businesses, homes and the environment,” he said.

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Certa Ireland is headquartered in the Clonminam Industrial Estate, with over 330 people employed nationwide and is part of DCC plc.

The brand came into being in September 2022 when Emo Oil, Campus Oil and Jones Oil, all owned by DCC Plc, will rebrand under the name Certa.