EDF Renewables Ireland is to start construction of three new solar farms in counties Wexford and Kilkenny this month with a combined capacity of 17MW.
The projects are the 5MW Coolroe at Ballycullane and 8MW Blusheens at Killinick, both in Wexford, and the 4MW Curraghmartin at Carrigeen in Kilkenny.
They are the first to start construction following EDF Renewables’ acquisition of Wexford Solar last year, which included eight projects with over 100MW of capacity across the country.
Construction is expected to take up to 10 months and be completed in February 2022 at the earliest.
The three solar farms will together supply enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 6600 homes.
EDF Renewables Ireland head of development Kevin Daly 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.”
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.