Power Capital Renewable Energy, in partnership with AIB, Bank of Ireland and Societe Generale, has successfully completed a project finance round to develop approximately 300MW of solar farms across Ireland

Power Capital Renewable Energy, in partnership with AIB, Bank of Ireland and Societe Generale, has successfully completed a project finance round to develop approximately 300MW of solar farms across Ireland.

This agreement secures facilities of nearly €220M to support the development of seven projects ranging in size from 6.5MW to 153MW.

The combined production of this portfolio will generate enough electricity to power over 70,000 homes per year.

All projects were awarded a tariff under the Department of Environment, Climate & Communication’s second Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS 2) in 2022.

Projects have commenced construction and are set to be completed and operational in 2026, contributing significantly to the government’s goal of generating 80% of Ireland’s energy from renewable sources by 2030.

As part of the RESS 2 scheme, local communities will benefit from a contribution of €2 per MWh throughout the duration of the program.

Power Capital already has 230MW of fully operational projects since 2024 and continues to expand its portfolio, with an additional 400MW secured under the RESS 3 and RESS 4 schemes.

Power Capital: Justin Brown CEO says: We have dedicated nearly 12 months to this transaction, encompassing seven solar projects across multiple counties and collaborating with various construction and finance teams to achieve a successful outcome. This is an outstanding achievement for Power Capital, our team and everyone involved. We are very excited to build on this success and advance our RESS 3 & 4 portfolio later this year.”

 AIB: Jim Arigho Director, Climate Capital says: “The rollout of utility scale solar energy generation is a vital component in Ireland meeting its Climate Action targets and complements wind energy generation.  This financing is a milestone on that journey and AIB is delighted to work with the Power Capital team again in helping Ireland make the transition to a more sustainable future.”

 Bank of Ireland: Michael Lauhoff, Head of Specialist Banking, Corporate & Commercial commented:  “Bank of Ireland is delighted to support Power Capital in reaching this important milestone. The debt package will finance the delivery of a scaled and diversified portfolio of solar assets which will directly contribute to decarbonising Irish energy. As a long-term financier of Irish renewables, the provision of capital to the sustainable energy market is a key strategic ambition for Bank of Ireland and we are proud to be part of these exciting projects.”

 Societe Generale said: “Societe Generale is delighted to support the development of Power Capital, one of the leading Irish renewables developers, and have worked alongside Power Capital, AIB, and Band of Ireland since the start to bring the financing to a successful close. The portfolio of solar farms could contribute towards Ireland’s 2030 renewable generation targets and the development of renewable assets in the country.”

Tech Industry Alliance Launches Strategic Event in Partnership with AIB to Support Startups and Scale-Ups in the South West

Tech Industry Alliance, the leading organisation dedicated to fostering innovation and growth in Ireland’s technology sector, is thrilled to announce the launch of a strategic event aimed at supporting startups and scale-ups. In collaboration with AIB and sponsored by the National Software Centre (NSC), this event will provide critical insights into securing bank finance, as well as funding from angel investors and venture capitalists.

The event is scheduled to take place on the evening of September 24th, 2024, at the AIB offices located at 66, South Mall, Cork. This exclusive gathering is set to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, creating a dynamic environment for networking, knowledge sharing, and strategic growth discussions.

 

Event Highlights:

  • Comprehensive Financial Guidance: Industry experts from AIB will present key information on navigating bank finance options, providing startups and scale-ups with the tools they need to secure the financial backing required for their growth journeys.
  • Insights from Leading Investors: Attendees will gain access to invaluable perspectives from seasoned angel investors and venture capitalists, who will share their criteria for investment and tips on how to attract and secure funding.
  • Networking Opportunities: The event will offer ample opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with potential investors, industry peers, and mentors, fostering relationships that could prove instrumental in their business growth.
  • Panel Discussion, Case Study and Q&A: Engaging panel discussion & case study featuring successful entrepreneurs and financial experts will address common challenges faced by startups and provide actionable strategies to overcome them.

“We are delighted to partner with AIB to deliver this crucial event that will empower startups and scale-ups with the knowledge and connections they need to thrive,” said Donagh Kiernan, Vice Chair Tech Industry Alliance and CEO Tenego.

“Access to finance is essential for early-stage and high-growth companies. This event is designed to provide valuable insights into the process and create an open environment for investors and high-growth companies to connect.” Denis Ryan, Technology Sector Specialist AIB

 

Registration Details: The event is open to all startups, scale-ups, and entrepreneurs interested in scaling their businesses. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information and to register, please visit: https://techindustryalliance.ie/event/register-now-funding-for-growth/

TCS Helps AIB life Launch Operations in Ireland with a Digital-First Platform Powered by TCS BaNCS

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has helped AIB life, the newly formed joint venture between Allied Irish Banks plc and Great-West Lifeco, launch operations in Ireland with a future-ready, digitally enabled, platform that supports its vision to help people on their path to financial security, one step at a time.

TCS was selected as the strategic partner to help build a digital first, full-service life company for the Irish market. TCS helped create a modern, cloud-based technology stack ground up, with its flagship insurance platform TCS BaNCS™ at the core that gives AIB’s 3.2 million customers the ability to access financial advice and a range of integrated AIB life protection, pensions, and investment products in their branch, by phone and via the AIB mobile banking app. The solution also integrates with AIB’s nationwide network of 120 financial advisors from whom customers can seek financial guidance.

TCS BaNCS’ configurability and rich functionality will enable AIB life to launch innovative new products and services. The entire solution is hosted on the cloud and its digital-first architecture provides APIs to enable easy integration with ecosystem partners to co-create new joint offerings.

In addition to designing and deploying the enabling technology stack, TCS will also provide IT, customer, and claims handling services for AIB life in a managed insurance services model. The end-to-end policy administration services will be provided from the TCS Global Delivery Centre in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

“Financial services firms and their customers around the world are benefitting from the rich functionality and omnichannel experiences offered by TCS BaNCS. Its Digital First, Cloud First architecture is tailor-made for the digital-first approach that AIB life has taken. We are delighted to support the launch of AIB life and be a partner in the exciting journey ahead,” said Vivekanand Ramgopal, President, BFSI Products and Platforms, TCS. “TCS BaNCS’ digital capabilities and configurability will help AIB life differentiate itself in the Irish market with innovative offerings that seamlessly support its customers in their personal financial journeys.”

Jacquie Doyle, COO, AIB life, said: “The Joint Venture between AIB and Great-West Lifeco, which will provide AIB customers with exclusive access to AIB life protection, pensions, and investment products, has entered into a 10-year partnership with TCS to build and operate a future-ready digital infrastructure that enables customers to more effectively plan their finances and investments.

“After an extensive review of the market, it was clear that TCS’ contextual industry knowledge, European cloud-based technology and global delivery team based in Letterkenny meant that they would be the perfect partners for us. As we look to grow this new greenfield life company, it is key that we build this on a foundation of cutting-edge technology. The global delivery centre in Letterkenny, where we will be servicing AIB life customers, will allow us to help our customers understand and improve their financial wellbeing and the financial security of their families and businesses.”

TCS is one of the world’s largest providers of services and solutions to the financial services industry and has been helping leading banks and financial institutions across the world in their growth and transformation journeys. Using its deep domain expertise, contextual knowledge, intellectual property and knowledge of global regulatory norms and risk management guidelines, TCS helps its customers leverage high levels of intelligent automation to reimagine their operations, enhancing their agility and competitiveness. For more information about TCS BFSI Products and Platforms, visit https://www.tcs.com/what-we-do/products-platforms/tcs-bancs.

GreenTechHQ announces AIB partnership

AIB and GreenTechHQ Global Sustainabiity and Innovation Hub have announced their official partnership which will enable GreenTechHQ to further support businesses with a sustainable focus and solutions in the South East. Established in Enniscorthy in the heart of the South East region, GreenTechHQ is a world-class innovation ecosystem for companies and ecopreneurs focused on developing solutions to help climate change. As Ireland’s largest financial services provider with 3.2 million customers, AIB seeks to be a driving force for the sustainability agenda in Ireland, supporting customers and communities to make the transition to a low carbon economy.

The partnership will help GreenTechHQ support hundreds of businesses with collaborative workspaces, events, programs, investment, mentoring and support services in thought leadership, communication, innovation, training, incubation and pilot projects.

CEO, GreenTechHQ, Rita Martin said “our aim is for GreenTechHQ to be recognised as a world-class ecosystem for companies and communities who want access to a leading-edge knowledge eco system, global connections and product solutions support, to make a genuine impact in addressing climate change. We want to rapidly increase access to inspiring, affordable, and relevant sustainability training for businesses and are delighted that our partnership with AIB will provide us with support to do that as we seek to help businesses transition to a low carbon economy.”

AIB’s Head of Business Banking, Pat Horgan said “as Ireland’s biggest bank, we continue to play our part as a sustainability leader to ensure a greener tomorrow by backing those building it today. Supporting our customers to lower their carbon footprint is a key priority for AIB and our partnership with the GreenTechHQ sustainability and innovation hub will help to support businesses that are directly focused on tackling climate change.”

On Thursday evening, as part of an event held in GreenTechHQ Hub, TASC presented its report on the People’s Transition for Enniscorthy. Supported by AIB, the People’s Transition project is a community-driven programme which views climate action as an enabler for local development. Enniscorthy is the first community in the country that TASC has been working with as part of this 3-year community development initiative.

Avanade Ireland creates 200 new jobs to meet Irish businesses’ digital transformation needs

Avanade, the leading Microsoft solutions provider, today announced ambitious growth plans in Ireland as it continues to see increasing demand for digital transformation technologies. During the past 18 months, the current Microsoft Partner of the Year for Ireland has doubled its workforce to over 150 people and now plans to more than double it again over the next 18 months.

In the four years since opening for business in Ireland, Avanade has grown exponentially as Irish businesses rush to invest in technologies that will enable them to better serve their customers and employees; improving engagement through data and AI, empowering their people to work flexibly and efficiently, and becoming more cost and price competitive.

Avanade is now seeking the very best talent, across a range of disciplines, to be part of its Irish success story. With over 25 different nationalities, and 45% female workforce, Avanade Ireland has proven its commitment to being an inclusive employer that that is leading by example in providing a better employee experience. The company was also ranked the number one Top Employer of the Year in Ireland in 2021, by the Top Employer Institute.

“It’s hard to believe we’re just four years old, and that much of that time has been dominated by the ongoing complexities of a global pandemic. The phenomenal – and growing – demand for our services is a testament to the talented people we have in our organisation and the close partnership we have with Microsoft. We’re proud to have created an environment that empowers our employees to flourish in their careers, while at the same time, looking after their wellbeing. In doing so, we continue to uphold Avanade’s long-standing reputation for being a great place to work and the go-to partner for clients looking for leading innovative solutions on the Microsoft ecosystem,” commented Adam Kelly, country manager, Avanade Ireland.

Microsoft Ireland General Manager Anne Sheehan said: “Partners, like Avanade, are essential to how Microsoft builds and delivers intelligent solutions and processes that empower people and organisations to achieve more. Our partnership with Avanade has gone from strength to strength due to the similarities in our values; enabling businesses to adopt a growth mindset and having a transformative impact on the organisations we work with. We’re excited to continue working closely with Avanade to accelerate this transformation using Microsoft innovations.”

Avanade has been central to us getting to that position more quickly than we could have done before and there is no doubt we will continue to maintain our leadership position and serve our customers even better than we do today because of them,” said Graham Fagan Group Director of Technical and Operations, Allied Irish Bank.

“As businesses in Ireland start to scrutinise their expenditures even more closely, turning attention internally becomes ever more important. Facilitating slicker modern work practices and scrutinising the efficiency and effectiveness of your existing data and infrastructure should remain a top priority for business. We’ve set out ambitious growth plans already, but the potential is easily even greater,” added Kelly.

AIB and Revolut SMS scam sms purchase

A quick heads up on a new sms scam doing the rounds to keep your eyes open for with AIB and Revolut, in recent times this BANK OF IRELAND scam was popular and here is all the details on that and the identifier is what you need to watch out for if you do deal with your bank on your phone.

The latest message claims to come from AIB this time around and of course both AIB and Revolut have been contacted on the issue which some could fall for, most of the banks moved over to SCA (Strong Customer Authentication) so when you use your card online you will authenticate the purchase via your app on your smartphone for example.

Both AIB and Revolut are now aware of the issue and have responded with their usual lines seen below

Revolut – Thank you for sharing this with us. We can confirm that the message wasn’t sent by us. Please don’t share any details via this link and remember that we’ll never ask you to provide any details via a link sent in SMS. Stay safe!

AIB – Hi Jim, This is a fraudulent text message. If you clicked on the link, please call on 01 2695022 or +353 12695022 from abroad, 7 days a week, 8am to midnight. If possible, please forward the text message to us on the following link: aib.ie/security-centr Thanks ^CK

Source 

Arkphire delivers on multi-million euro employee mobilisation programme for AIB. #Arkphire #AIB

Irish headquartered IT product procurement and services company, Arkphire, has completed the rollout of a major employee-centred digital transformation programme, which is a multi-million investment by leading Irish financial institution, AIB.  At the heart of the project which aligns with AIB’s digitalisation and ways of working strategies, is the sourcing, delivery and support of a fully digital workspace for AIB employees across Ireland and the UK. The ambitious employee mobilisation programme, which gained urgency due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has enabled AIB to continue to provide an uninterrupted service to its customers, while also empowering its workforce to communicate and collaborate innovatively across the entire enterprise from their home workspaces.

The project saw Arkphire deliver 8,000 digital workspace solutions including Microsoft Surface laptops, laptop stands, monitors, docking stations and keyboards to AIB’s employees across Ireland and the UK. The laptops were configured as notebook or touch-screen-operated tablet PCs, based on the AIB employee’s preference in either country. Arkphire is also providing a range of ongoing support services to AIB including:

  • Adoption Services—the ability to procure, assemble and roll out hardware pre-installed with software as specified by AIB for its employees’ specific needs and deliver it to their homes anywhere in either country;
  • Break/fix support—enhancing the standard warranty provided by Microsoft to ensure timely and reliable collection and repair of equipment;
  • Next business day replacement—if an employee needs a replacement computer, Arkphire can guarantee to deliver the necessary personalised solution, complete with software updates within 24 hours.
Employee-centred digital transformation programme at AIB- Geraldine Casey, Chief People Officer at AIB at a virtual meeting with (from left to right), Graham Fagan, Group Director of Technology & Operations at AIB Group and Bríd Graham, Managing Director of Arkphire’s IT procurement services business. Arkphire has delivered the rollout of a multi-million euro employee mobilisation programme involving 8,000 employees at AIB.

Geraldine Casey, Chief People Officer at AIB said “At AIB our aim is to empower our people so they can work from home and support our customers as seamlessly as possible.  8,000 of our people now have remote access, with state of the art technology allowing us to develop our ways of working and digitalisation strategies.”

Graham Fagan, Group Director of Technology & Operations at AIB Group said: “In overall terms, Arkphire has very quickly earned our trust through a rapidly accelerated programme, where the Arkphire team has demonstrated real professionalism and a ‘can do’ attitude that we really value. On a project of this scale, there are always challenges, but where any difficulties arose, Arkphire stepped up to the mark, bringing things back on track and always delivered.  I greatly appreciate their support as a true IT partner.”   

AIB is a financial services group operating predominantly in Ireland and the United Kingdom, providing a range of services to retail, business and corporate customers, with market-leading positions in key segments.  The bank has over 2.8 million customers.

Given the importance of the initiative to AIB, which is adopting a new operating model to increase the flexibility of its workforce to work from anywhere, it was essential for the bank to engage with a partner of proven capability, international reach and who could move at pace. According to Fagan “The combination of Arkphire’s long-standing logistical and procurement capabilities along with their experience and track record of service delivery for projects of this scale, both domestically and internationally, were decisive factors in selecting Arkphire.”

Bríd Graham, managing director of Arkphire’s IT Procurement Services business, said, “We are delighted to be selected as the IT partner for AIB on such a transformational project.  The pandemic forced us all to act quickly in unforeseen circumstances.  AIB was determined to ensure it could provide an effective solution to help their employees transition to the new normal of working from home while continuing to provide uninterrupted support for their customers. We are very proud to partner with such a strong Irish heritage brand.”

Earlier this year, Arkphire became part of the Presidio Group, a leading North American IT solutions provider.  The combined capabilities from both Arkphire and Presidio create a new global IT solutions business with the ability to serve customers and enable their remote working strategies in all key markets.

#AIB ireland still say no to a #WindowsPhone Application #BankingApps.

Yet again another slap in the face from the banking sector in ireland.

Allied irish bank ireland have a nice tv add we are used to seeing.

But wait,the app is only for android and windows phone,we asked them last year about this and got the usual fobbed of type answer.

 

Here it is.

 

 

 

 

Thank you AIB!