AES UK & Ireland is the owner and operator of Kilroot and Ballylumford power stations and directly employs around 260 people in Mid & East Antrim. The Kilroot Advancion® Energy Storage Array is the largest battery storage facility in the UK and Ireland.
Background
AES improves lives by providing safe, reliable and sustainable energy solutions in every market it serves. The Northern Ireland operations are part of the AES Corporation’s global portfolio of businesses operating in 17 countries worldwide, employing 18,500 people.
What AES UK & Ireland did
AES understands that the success and sustainability of its business relies on the social licenses it obtains from civil society and local communities to operate and prosper in its business activities. It is in this context that AES has operated as a major employer and energy provider for 23 years in Northern Ireland. As its Corporate Responsibility (CR) strategy has evolved, the company has moved from philanthropy towards partnership working and developing sustainable programmes that leave a legacy with local communities.
For AES UK & Ireland, CSR excellence is one of three overarching goals the business seeks to achieve and, since late 2014, AES has made a conscious decision to take on more of an advocacy role and share its award-winning corporate responsibility efforts with other businesses, communities and the wider Northern Ireland public.
As an energy generator, AES is fully aware of its responsibility to ensure sustainable practices and is committed to appropriate upgrades and investment, as well as the creation of innovative solutions through its AES Performance Excellence programme. In 2015, AES invested millions in pollution prevention at both sites, leading to reduction in emissions at both sites, savings in C02 emissions, heat improvement rates, water reduction and energy usage savings.