ISEA June Update

CEO Introduction

Dear Members and Subscribers,

The recent local and European election results have brought to light significant shifts in Ireland's political landscape. With parties like Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael securing seats and the Green Party facing challenges, it's clear that the political scene may be changing with a risk that sustainability could be less of a priority for future Governments. These developments underscore the importance of our ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure sustainable energy remains a national priority.

In parallel, ISEA is proud to announce the release of our Scale of Solar 2024 report. This comprehensive document offers a detailed overview of the solar sector's growth trajectory in Ireland. It serves as both a testament to our collective achievements and a roadmap for future progress. The report highlights the transformative impact of solar energy on Ireland's electricity production, showcasing a 42.6% increase in solar capacity to 1,185MW.

Amidst leadership changes within the Green Party, including Eamon Ryan's decision to step down, we remain committed to advancing Ireland's green agenda. Despite the challenges, our industry continues to grow, driven by numerous ongoing projects and increasing consumer interest. Together, we are well-positioned to lead Ireland’s transition towards a sustainable energy future.

Thank you for your support and engagement.

Best regards,

Conall Bolger , CEO, Irish Solar Energy Association

Highlights of the Month

• Scale of Solar 2024: Released on June 21st, European Solar Day, our Scale of Solar 2024 report reveals a remarkable 42.6% increase in Ireland's solar electricity generation capacity. With a total capacity now at 1,185MW, including 373MW from domestic rooftops, solar energy is playing a crucial role in Ireland's energy mix. Read the full report here

Data Insights

The latest data from the Green Collective indicates that the total solar generation for the month was nearly 98GWh, but it's important to note that this data covers only generation and excludes rooftops and some utility-scale solar, as only about 85% of utility-scale installations are required to register with SEMO. Therefore, the overall contribution is significantly understated, and the true impact, including onsite and rooftop solar installations, is even greater.

Green Collective data shows that Wednesday, 19th of June, was the first day to see solar generation reach 5.3GWh, a new record for Ireland.

Here's a snapshot of solar generation across counties in June 2024:

• Meath: 51,997 MWh
• Wexford: 27,316 MWh
• Cork: 15,483 MWh
• Kildare: 3,072 MWh

June Spotlight

• Amarenco's Kanturk Solar Farm: Officially opened, this project powers 1,900 homes with 14,750 solar panels, positioning Kanturk at the forefront of Ireland’s renewable energy agenda.
• BNRG Solar Projects: Five new projects totalling 55MWp are under construction in Ireland and the US, with significant contributions to Ireland’s 8GW solar goal by 2030.
• Elgin Solar Farms: Construction has commenced on three farms in Meath, Longford, and Waterford, expected to power 5,000 homes and align with Elgin's broader plans for 2024.
• ?rsted in Co Carlow: ?rsted has begun construction on a major solar farm in Garreenleen, Co Carlow, slated to power 29,000 homes upon completion.
• Power Capital's Beaulieu Solar Energy Farm: Now operational in Co Louth, this farm features 20,000 panels and showcases corporate commitment to renewable energy.

ISEA in the Press

• Solar Power for 65 Homes
• Domestic Solar Power Output Up 80%
• Ireland Installed 505 MW of Photovoltaics in 2023
• Ireland's PV Deployment in 2023
• REVE

Events

• ISEA July Webinar on Rooftop Standards: Join us on July 23rd for insights into standardising rooftop solar PV installations. Register here
• WISE(IR) Webinar: Half-Year Round-Up for Solar Energy in Ireland: On July 25th, join our panel discussion on progress, challenges, and opportunities in the solar sector. Register here
• Solar Ireland 2024: Road to 2030: Save the date for October 1st at the RDS. This flagship conference promises to be our largest yet. Explore opportunities to attend, exhibit, or partner with us. Learn more

Stay informed and engaged with ISEA as we continue to drive Ireland's solar energy revolution forward.

Warm regards,

ISEA Team