Fuel supplier Certa, which is part of DCC, has agreed a deal to buy solar and renewable energy specialists Alternative Energy Ireland for an undisclosed sum.
The deal is part of the Co Laois-based company's plan to become the country's most progressive energy company.
Certa said the acquisition will allow its 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.
Alternative Energy Ireland (AEI) has been in operation since 2007 and is the country's longest established renewable energy specialists.
The company designs and installs renewable energy systems including solar PV panels that generate electricity, solar thermal panels that heat water, heat recovery ventilation systems and home heat pumps.
Its commercial customers include Adare Manor, Woodies, Chadwicks and Stormont Castle.
Certa's 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.
The company has already changed 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 begun the rollout of HVO as a domestic product with the installation of the country's first HVO pump at the Certa Lee Tunnel forecourt in Cork. More HVO pumps are planned for later this year.
"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," Andrew Graham, Managing Director of Certa Ireland, said.
Steven Bray, the founder and Managing Director of Alternative Energy Ireland, said the company was excited 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," Mr Bray added.
