Irish Air Navigation Service Awards €2 Million Solar PV Contract to Ohk Energy

The Irish Air Navigation Service has awarded a €2 million contract to Ohk Energy Ltd for the design, installation, and commissioning of a 2 MW solar PV system at its AirNav sites. The project supports the organisation's commitment to sustainable energy and reducing environmental impacts.

Introduction

Reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy are priorities for public sector organisations across Ireland. The Irish Air Navigation Service (AirNav) is investing in solar energy to power its operations and reduce its environmental footprint.

AirNav has awarded a €2 million contract to Ohk Energy Ltd for the design, installation, and commissioning of a 2 MW solar PV system at its sites. The project will deliver sustainable, renewable energy to support AirNav's operations.

This investment supports Ireland's climate goals and demonstrates AirNav's commitment to sustainability.

Why This Contract Matters

Solar energy is a key component of Ireland's renewable energy strategy. This project will reduce AirNav's carbon emissions and energy costs while demonstrating public sector leadership in sustainability.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports renewable energy: 2 MW solar PV system
• Reduces carbon emissions: Sustainable power for AirNav operations
• Significant investment: €2 million contract
• Strategic procurement: Reduction of environmental impacts
• National Green Public Procurement: Compliant with national criteria
• Irish supplier: Ohk Energy is an Irish company
• Competitive process: 5 SME bids received

Contract Timeline

• Contract award notice published: 18 August 2026 (OJ S 158/2026)
• Previous notice referenced: 2f912d96-e9c2-44f6-ab37-7f259b67bffb-02
• Contract concluded: 1 May 2026
• Coverage start date: Not specified
• Coverage end date: 24 months from start

Contract Overview

The Irish Air Navigation Service conducted an open procedure for this procurement. The contract covers the design, installation, and commissioning of a 2 MW solar PV system at AirNav sites.

Key features include:

• Single lot: 2 MW solar PV system
• Duration: 24 months
• Value: €2,000,000
• Evaluation: Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT)
• Strategic procurement: Reduction of environmental impacts
• Winner: Ohk Energy Ltd
• No subcontracting: Ohk Energy will deliver without subcontracting
• All bids from SMEs: 5 SME bids received

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting authority	The Irish Air Navigation Service (AirNav)
Winning bidder	Ohk Energy Ltd
Contract subject	Solar PV system (CPV 45261215)
Procedure type	Open procedure
Legal basis	Other (EU procurement rules)
Awarded value (EUR)	€2,000,000.00
Contract duration	24 Months
Bids received	5 (all from SMEs)
EU funding	None
Covered by GPA	Yes
Evaluation criteria	Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT)
Subcontracting	No
Strategic procurement	Reduction of environmental impacts, Green Public Procurement

Project Scope

The contract covers the design, installation, and commissioning of a 2 MW solar PV system at AirNav sites.

Works Included

• Design: Engineering and design of solar PV system
• Installation: Installation of solar panels and associated equipment
• Commissioning: Testing and commissioning of the system
• System size: 2 MW (2 Megawatts)
• Components: Solar panels, inverters, mounting systems, electrical equipment
• Locations: AirNav sites (including locations in County Clare)

Strategic Objectives

• Sustainable power: Renewable energy for AirNav operations
• Carbon reduction: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Cost savings: Reduce energy costs through solar generation
• Green Public Procurement: Compliant with national criteria

About the Contracting Authority

The Irish Air Navigation Service (AirNav) is the Irish state-owned company responsible for the provision of air traffic management services in Ireland. AirNav ensures the safe and efficient operation of Irish airspace, including en-route and terminal air navigation services. The organisation is committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact.

About the Winning Company

Ohk Energy Ltd is a medium-sized Irish renewable energy company based in Castleblayney, County Monaghan. The company specialises in the design, installation, and maintenance of solar PV systems for commercial, industrial, and public sector clients. Ohk Energy has experience delivering large-scale solar projects across Ireland. The company's winning bid of €2,000,000 was the successful tender among five SME bids.

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: An open procedure was used, allowing any interested economic operator to submit a tender.
• Competition: Five bids were received, all from SMEs, representing healthy competition in the Irish solar market.
• Evaluation criteria: Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT). The specific weighting is not detailed in the notice.
• SME participation: All five bids came from SMEs, demonstrating strong SME engagement.
• Strategic procurement: The contract includes reduction of environmental impacts and Green Public Procurement criteria.
• No subcontracting: Ohk Energy will deliver the project without subcontracting.
• Duration: 24 months, reflecting the scale of the solar PV installation.

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
• No EU funds were used for this procurement.
• The procurement was not accelerated.
• No dynamic purchasing system was used.
• No framework agreement was used—this is a direct works contract.
• Five bids were received, all from SMEs.
• No subcontracting was declared by the winner.
• Disputes or review requests fall to The High Court of Ireland.
• Strategic procurement: Reduction of environmental impacts, Green Public Procurement.
• Locations include sites in County Clare.

Market & Industry Perspective

The Irish solar PV market has grown significantly in recent years, driven by government targets and incentives for renewable energy. Public sector organisations are increasingly investing in solar to meet sustainability goals and reduce energy costs.

Key trends in this market include:

• Renewable energy growth: Solar PV is a key technology for Ireland's climate goals
• Public sector investment: Government buildings and state bodies are installing solar
• SME participation: SMEs dominate the solar installation market
• Green procurement: Increasing focus on environmental criteria
• Cost reduction: Solar PV costs have decreased significantly

Economic Significance

At €2 million, this contract represents a significant investment in renewable energy for AirNav. The project will:

• Reduce carbon emissions: Generate clean, renewable energy
• Lower energy costs: Reduce electricity bills for AirNav
• Support Irish SMEs: Contract awarded to an Irish medium-sized company
• Demonstrate public sector leadership: Show commitment to sustainability

Future Procurement Opportunities

With the contract now in place, future opportunities include:

• Additional solar sites: Other AirNav sites may install solar
• Maintenance contracts: Ongoing maintenance of the solar PV system
• Other public sector bodies: Similar solar PV procurements by other Irish public bodies
• Energy storage: Battery storage systems

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this contract is awarded, future opportunities exist for solar PV companies:

• Other public sector bodies: Similar solar PV procurements by other Irish public bodies
• Subcontracting: Suppliers may find subcontracting opportunities
• Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance of solar PV systems
• Energy storage: Battery storage and energy management

What Businesses Should Watch

• Other Irish public sector solar PV procurement notices
• Government renewable energy incentives and targets
• Changes to Irish procurement regulations
• Green Public Procurement criteria developments
• Solar PV technology advancements

IrelandTenders Procurement Intelligence

This solar PV contract is a significant renewable energy project for AirNav. Several features stand out:

• Scale: 2 MW solar PV system, €2 million contract
• SME success: All bids from SMEs; Ohk Energy is a medium-sized company
• Strategic procurement: Reduction of environmental impacts, Green Public Procurement
• Public sector leadership: AirNav demonstrates commitment to sustainability
• Competitive process: Five bids received

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Competitive pricing: MEAT evaluation includes cost
• Technical expertise: Demonstrating capability in solar PV design and installation
• SME credentials: SMEs can compete effectively
• Green credentials: Aligning with sustainability objectives

Supplier Takeaways

• Offer competitive pricing—MEAT evaluation includes cost
• Demonstrate technical expertise in solar PV design and installation
• Show commitment to sustainability and Green Public Procurement
• Monitor other Irish public sector bodies for similar solar PV opportunities
• Build relationships with public sector buyers
• Consider SME status as an advantage

Key Takeaways

• Irish Air Navigation Service awarded a €2 million solar PV contract to Ohk Energy
• Project: Design, installation, and commissioning of 2 MW solar PV system
• Duration: 24 months
• Evaluation: Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT)
• 5 bids received, all from SMEs
• No subcontracting
• Irish SME winner
• Strategic procurement: Reduction of environmental impacts, Green Public Procurement

Conclusion

This solar PV contract represents a significant investment in renewable energy for the Irish Air Navigation Service. By commissioning a 2 MW solar PV system, AirNav demonstrates its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting Ireland's climate goals.

Ohk Energy Ltd's successful bid reflects the company's expertise in delivering large-scale solar projects. The strong SME participation (all five bids from SMEs) demonstrates the accessibility of public procurement to smaller Irish businesses.

As public sector organisations across Ireland continue to invest in renewable energy, similar opportunities will arise for solar PV companies with competitive pricing and technical expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Irish Air Navigation Service?

Ans: The Irish state-owned company responsible for air traffic management services in Ireland.

Q: What is the value of the contract?

Ans: €2,000,000.

Q: Who won the contract?

Ans: Ohk Energy Ltd, a medium-sized Irish renewable energy company based in Castleblayney.

Q: What is being installed?

Ans: A 2 MW solar PV system at AirNav sites.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT).

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: 24 months.

Q: How many bids were received?

Ans: Five bids were received, all from SMEs.

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 571906-2026, OJ S 158/2026, published 18 August 2026.