Plans unveiled for 190MW solar energy farm in Ireland
The farm could eventually power approximately 30,000 homes and mitigate 80,000t of CO2 emissions annually
Plans to develop a 190MW solar energy farm at a cost of US $219mn in County Meath, Ireland have been announced by GP Joule’s Irish subsidiary. If permissions are secured, the Blackhall Solar farm project could become one of the country’s largest solar developments.
The proposed solar farm will harness renewable energy from a site covering 205ha and extending over three land parcels. According to the proposal, the Blackhall Solar Farm could generate enough electricity to power approximately 30,000 Irish homes, while mitigating around 80,000t of CO2 emissions annually.
GP Joule said it has submitted planning documents to Meath County Council, seeking a 10-year permission for the solar farm. In the documents, the company stressed the need for a 40-year lifespan to attract adequate funding.
The GP Joule proposal follows the 200MW Ballmacarney solar farm, which was completed in County Meath by Norway’s Statkraft in 2021. Statkraft Ireland is said to also be actively pursuing various other solar and wind farm projects in the country.
Ireland has set a target to generate 80% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. 20 solar farm projects totalling 497MW were awarded support in the recent onshore Renewables Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction, with additional RESS auctions scheduled for this year, said a report.
