Former Munster rugby star links back up with province in new partnership

MUNSTER rugby has announced a new four-year partnership with Essential Energy Holding to support the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a lower-carbon alternative to diesel in matchday generator operations at Thomond Park stadium.

Under the partnership, Essential Energy Holding, led by former Munster rugby front row Federico Pucciariello, becomes Munster’s official biofuel solutions partner providing generator solutions and technical expertise. 

Federico Pucciariello played for Munster between 2005 and 2009, a golden era for the province which included two Heineken Cup victories in 2006 and 2008. While at Munster, he lived in Limerick with his family, and since leaving the club he has maintained strong connections to the city and the local community. He is now CEO of Essential Energy Holding, bringing his experience in international biofuel markets to support practical sustainability solutions.

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“I am extremely proud to once again be involved with Munster Rugby and give something back to the club and city I treasure. My time in Munster was the most important in my career and my personal life. The culture and the people are like no other and the people I met while in Ireland have become lifelong friends.

 “I would like to thank Munster rugby for the opportunity for Essential Energy Holding to play a role in Thomond Park’s climate transition. Through our experience in Argentina, South America, and several markets globally, we see first-hand the major benefits that HVO can deliver in significantly reducing emissions and we are honoured to be able to offer our technical expertise and generator solutions for the benefit of Munster rugby, said Federico Pucciariello, CEO, Essential Energy Holding.

The four-year deal, which commenced in the 2024/25 season, has already seen two PRAMAC generators installed to power our LED floodlights using HVO fuel, further reducing Munster Rugby’s Scope 1 emissions as part of the club’s journey toward net zero by 2040 under our UN Sport for Climate Action Framework commitment.

John Cantwell, stadium director Thomond Park, Pat Chesser, Chesser Auctioneers, and Federico Pucciariello (CEO, Essential Energy Holding) with Munster players Kieran Ryan, Calvin Nash and Shay McCarthy

Certified HVO fuel is supplied via recognised Irish fuel partners in line with ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification), which confirms that the biofuel meets sustainability standards including traceable feedstock, no sourcing from high conservation value areas, compliance with land-use rules, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. The certification is recognised under EU sustainability standards (RED II / RED III).

Switching from diesel to HVO significantly lowers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (typically 70-90% savings depending on feedstock) and reduces local air pollutants. 

Careful operation, combined with certified fuel, ensures this is a credible step on the club’s ongoing climate transition journey, reducing the environmental impact of matchday energy use.

Essential Energy Holding is a group of companies with extensive experience in biofuel production, including first- and second-generation fuels derived from vegetable oils and waste. With over 15 years of experience in South America, the Group operates four plants in Argentina, producing approximately 30% of the country’s biofuel, alongside a presence in the United States, Colombia, Bahrain, and Italy.

Dave Kavanagh, head of Commercial & Marketing at Munster Rugby, said: “This partnership aligns perfectly with our ongoing sustainability strategy and broader climate ambitions. Using HVO in matchday generators is a practical step on our journey to lower emissions, increase electrification, and operate more sustainably.

“Working with one of our standout former players, who is so fondly remembered by our supporters, makes this collaboration even more meaningful. We look forward to progressing together over the coming years as we continue our climate transition journey.”