EDF Renewables Ireland is to start construction of three new solar farms in counties Wexford and Kilkenny this month. The three projects will be among the first utility-scale solar farms to be built in Ireland and, once complete, will have a combined capacity of 17MW.
Coolroe Solar Farm (5MW) is located in Coolroe, Ballycullane, Co. Wexford, with Blusheens Solar Farm (8MW) in Killinick, Co. Wexford, while Curraghmartin Solar Farm (4MW) is located in Curraghmartin, Carrigeen, Co. Kilkenny.
The projects are the first to begin construction following EDF Renewables' acquisition of 100% of Wexford Solar Ltd last year, which included eight projects with over 100MW of capacity across the country.
Kevin Daly, Head of Development, EDF Renewables Ireland, said: "We are delighted to be breaking ground on our first solar projects in Ireland. Developing a diverse renewable energy mix is crucial if Ireland is to achieve its 2030 emissions targets, and these three new solar farms will make an important contribution to meeting these goals and providing consumers with affordable, low-carbon electricity.
"We are committed to working hand-in-hand with communities, and are engaging with local residents in Wexford and Kilkenny to keep them updated on the projects and the construction process as they develop, and the community benefit funds that will help support local projects and initiatives."
Construction is expected to take up to 10 months, to be completed in February 2022 at the earliest, and the three new solar farms will together supply low-carbon electricity to power the equivalent of more than 6,600 homes.*
Each project was successful in the first round of the Irish Government's Renewable Electricity Support Scheme last year, which will see them supply electricity at a pre-agreed price.
Background
*Load factors based on the five year rolling averages on unchanged configuration basis using Table 6.5 of Digest of UK Energy Statistics' - latest figures as per July 2020 release. Based upon the average domestic electricity consumption per home (temperature corrected) per the Energy Consumption in the UK (published July 2020, Table C9 of ECUK: Consumption data tables).
For further information please contact:
David Clancy, External Affairs Manager, EDF Renewables Ireland
Email: david.clancy@edf-re.ie
Phone: 087 248 2495
About EDF Renewables Ireland
EDF Renewables Ireland is part of one of the world's largest electricity companies and our investment and innovation in renewable energy projects is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits to communities.
EDF Renewables Ireland's team has a wealth of experience in bringing complex development projects to fruition, across onshore and offshore wind, solar PV and battery storage technology, and is supported by more than 300 colleagues in the UK.
Last year we acquired 50% of Codling Wind Park, a major offshore wind farm which will be located off the coast of Co. Wicklow, with a dedicated team who have begun developing the project, and 100% of Wexford Solar, which includes eight solar projects across Ireland. In the UK we have an operating portfolio of 37 wind farms (together totalling almost 1GW).
EDF Renewables operates in more than 20 countries around the world.
