Declan McDonald started ACEL Energy alongside Barry Sherry from Monaghan and they were honoured at the inaugural Stelios Foundation North-South Business Cooperation Awards that were held in Castle Leslie Estate in Monaghan.
The award ceremony recognised the contributions of companies to economic activity and skilled employment on both sides of the border and across the entire island.
ACEL Energy has emerged as one of the region’s biggest growing providers of commercial renewable energy solutions and operates across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and were rewarded with the Silver Award at the ceremony.
The company delivers solar PV systems, battery energy storage projects, demand flexibility programmes, grid support works and long-term maintenance services for business customers.
Their work includes a first of its kind solar development at Shannon Airport as well as projects for Americold Ireland in both Lurgan and Monaghan and a ground mount solar project at Hydebank College in Belfast.
It has also played a key role in supporting operational and maintenance activity across several installations in Northern Ireland and is continuing to expand its delivery capacity in the commercial and industrial markets.
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the easyJet founder who created the awards, praised the company and others for their work in creating economic links between communities north and south of the Border.
Reflecting on the achievement, Declan McDonald said: “Being recognised at this level is a proud moment for everyone involved.
“We are committed to building specialised energy skills here at home, with opportunities for people who want to work in a growing sector.”
The company has now revealed plans to allocate part of its €100,000 prize to funding education initiatives that promote the understanding of renewable technology.
That will include a school programme linking classrooms on either side of the Border, and it also intends on expanding its workforce with further project announcements expected early next year.
Co-founder Barry Sherry added: “This award belongs to our team, our suppliers and our clients.
“The renewable sector is moving quickly, and our focus is on delivering high-quality commercial projects and supporting businesses to take control of their energy use.”
The winners of the awards were selected by Sir Stelios. He picked them from a field of applicants with applicants including demonstrating cross-border trade, having a turnover of a minimum of £160,000 and employing upwards of three staff members.
Speaking at the event, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, said: “This is a proud day for entrepreneurship on the island of Ireland.
“The winners we honour today show that when determination, innovation, and creativity meet, borders become bridges.
“These entrepreneurs are not only building successful businesses, they are proving that collaboration across communities leads to prosperity for all.”