ESB has awarded a contract to Greencells for the development of the Bullstown Solar Farm, which will be located to the south-east of Ashbourne, in County Meath.
The construction phase of the 8.5MW €13m project is scheduled to commence in early 2024.
Bullstown Solar Farm will connect to the electricity network via a short length of cable into the existing Ashbourne 38kV substation that adjoins the site.
A detailed traffic management plan will be agreed with Meath County Council prior to construction.
This is the first of three wholly-owned ESB solar farms being progressed which represents a total investment of almost €200m.
ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy includes a commitment to deliver more than a fivefold increase in renewable generation portfolio to 5GW, with solar playing an important part in this alongside offshore and onshore wind, battery and green hydrogen projects.
Eoin Naughton, Solar Development Manager at ESB, said: “Bullstown Solar Farm marks the beginning of a sustained campaign by ESB to develop and construct a large portfolio of utility-scale solar farms throughout the midlands, south and south-east of the country as we move towards our ultimate goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040.
“Solar provides an excellent opportunity for landowners and local communities to benefit from the clean energy transition.
“Projects like this one will help to reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels whilst also contributing to decarbonising our electrical network.
“We now look forward to working with Greencells, one of the largest European solar EPC providers, to deliver Bullstown Solar Farm.”
Ric Hallikeri, General Manager EMEA at Greencells, added: “Ireland is a focus market for Greencells GmbH with the construction of six solar farms currently underway in the country.
“Bullstown Solar Farm is our first project with ESB and we look forward to delivering this important kick-off project for its wider solar portfolio.”