EDF Renewables energises its first three solar farms in Ireland

EDF Renewables has completed the energisation of its first three solar farms in Ireland, with a combined capacity of 17MW.

Curraghmarting, Coolroe and Blusheens solar farms were all successful in Ireland’s first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction, which took place in August 2021 and saw solar secure 796MW.

Sheep will continue to graze among the solar panels, helping to control the growth of vegetation.

Located in Wexford and Kilkenny, the projects follow EDF Renewables’ acquisition of Wexford Solar in 2020 which included eight projects with a combined capacity over 100MW of capacity across the country.

“We’re very proud to have developed some of the first solar farms in Ireland. Solar energy has a crucial role to play in ensuring Ireland has a diverse, low-carbon energy mix and can safeguard its own supply of electricity,” said Jenny Howard, head of development at EDF Renewables Ireland.

“These three projects mark another step towards achieving the Government’s target of 8 GW of solar energy by 2030, and each will also make a positive local contribution, providing funding for community projects and initiatives via the Community Benefit Funds. I’d like to congratulate our entire team on the successful delivery of these projects, and we look forward to supporting the continued growth of Ireland’s emerging solar sector in the years to come.”