Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, has announced it will provide 100% of the heating needs at its Dublin and Athlone sites through biomethane, becoming the first pharmaceutical company in Ireland to fully adopt this sustainable energy source for research, development and manufacturing.
The transition will be delivered through a 15-year partnership with Carbon AMS, a leading biomethane producer, and forms part of AstraZeneca’s flagship decarbonisation programme, Ambition Zero Carbon.
The agreement is the first large-scale biomethane contract in Ireland with “additionality”, meaning it will create new renewable capacity for the national gas grid.
Biomethane will be sourced from a purpose-built anaerobic digestion facility in Duleek, Co. Meath, approximately 30km from Alexion’s College Park site and 120km from Athlone.
The plant will use grass silage supplied through long-term contracts with local farmers. Construction is expected to be completed, and the first biomethane deliveries made, in 2026.
The Duleek facility will supply at least 32GWh of biomethane per year to Alexion’s Irish operations, equivalent to 6.3% of AstraZeneca’s global gas consumption and displacing around 5,800 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually. Nutrient-rich by-products from the anaerobic digestion process will be returned to farmland, enhancing soil health, promoting grass growth and reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers, supporting sustainable agriculture and a circular economy in Ireland.
Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, said: “Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease’s commitment to 100% biomethane for their Irish operations marks a significant contribution to the National Biomethane Strategy. This project illustrates how private-sector initiatives can deliver tangible benefits for environmental goals and the agricultural community, and supports our national decarbonisation targets, energy independence and a sustainable future for Ireland.”
Shane Doyle, Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Sustainability, Alexion, said: “Our partnership with Carbon AMS represents a pivotal moment in our sustainability journey. By transitioning to 100% biomethane for our heating needs in Ireland, we are reducing operational emissions and pioneering renewable energy use in the pharmaceutical sector. This long-term commitment reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship and supporting a sustainable future in Ireland.”
Bryan Mulchinock, Global Head of Environmental Health and Safety, Alexion, added: “Implementing biomethane at this scale is a complex task. We are proud to be the first pharmaceutical company in Ireland to achieve this and to collaborate with Carbon AMS. This project helps us meet our decarbonisation goals while supporting Ireland’s emerging biomethane sector and local renewable energy solutions.”
Richard Kennedy, CEO of Carbon AMS, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease and the Global Energy Transition Fund. This agreement is a game-changer for the Irish agri-biomethane sector, demonstrating the potential for indigenous renewable gas production, providing reliable clean heat for Alexion, supporting local agriculture, and contributing to Ireland’s energy independence.”
Alexion’s transition to biomethane in Ireland follows investments in clean heat to fuel research and manufacturing at AstraZeneca sites in the US, UK and China over the past four years.
Alexion to use 100% renewable energy in Ireland operations via biomethane purchase agreement
