The Solar Revolution in Full Swing

We've seen exponential growth in solar energy, as highlighted in our recent Scale of Solar 2024 report. With 13 solar farms now on the grid supplying a capacity of 594MW and 373MW coming from household rooftop installations, it's clear that solar is having a transformative impact on Ireland's electricity production. The report also underscores the significant growth potential in mini-generation and small-scale generation, with businesses and farmers benefiting financially while contributing to clean, green electricity generation.

The solar revolution is undoubtedly in full swing, and this month alone, we had four of our members share remarkable news about their solar projects during this year's Summer Solstice Month:

Amarenco's Kanturk Solar Farm

Amarenco has officially opened its Kanturk solar farm, which will power 1,900 homes with 14,750 solar panels. This development puts Kanturk at the forefront of Ireland’s renewable energy agenda. Amarenco plans to invest €200m in solar in Cork, with a target of operating 20 solar farms in the county by 2026.

BNRG Solar Projects

BNRG has announced five new solar projects totalling 55MWp currently under construction in Ireland and the US, enough to power roughly 11,000 homes per year. Three of these projects are in Ireland: Kerdiffstown and the former Dunmurry Springs Golf Course in Kildare, and Kilbrogan in Cork. These projects are contributing significantly to Ireland’s goal of delivering 8GW of solar by 2030 under RESS 2.

Elgin Solar Farms

Elgin has begun construction on three solar farms in Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford, and Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford, totalling 21MW. Once operational, these solar farms will power approximately 5,000 homes, representing a major step towards a greener future for Ireland. These farms are part of Elgin's plan to start construction on 16 sites in 2024, potentially powering about 50,000 homes across the country.

?rsted Begins Construction of Solar Farms in Co Carlow

?rsted has started construction on its first Irish solar farm in Garreenleen, Co Carlow, expected to be operational by 2026. Spanning 300 acres and covering eight townlands, this major development will produce 81 MW of power in its first phase, eventually powering approximately 29,000 homes. ?rsted is also setting up grid infrastructure for a second phase, which will add another 82 MW. Additionally, ?rsted is committed to enhancing local biodiversity and establishing a community fund of €240,000 annually once the project is operational.

Power Capital Opens Beaulieu Solar Energy Farm

Power Capital Renewable Energy has opened the new Beaulieu Solar Energy Farm in Co Louth. Spanning 20 acres and featuring 20,000 solar panels with a 6.7 MW generation capacity, the farm will power 1,200 homes annually. Operated under a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement with Microsoft, this project highlights the increasing corporate interest in renewable energy and aligns with Ireland's broader energy goals.

The Scale of Solar report and these updates from our members showcase the incredible progress being made in the solar sector. With each new project, we are moving closer to a sustainable and renewable energy future for Ireland. The solar revolution is well and truly underway, and we are excited to see what the future holds.

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