Orsted has acquired a 160MW solar project in Carlow, Ireland, from renewable energy developer Terra Solar.
The 160MW Garrenleen project is Orsted’s second solar project in Ireland and will be one of the largest in the country when built.
Subject to Orsted’s final investment decision, phase 1 (81MW) will be delivered in 2025, with phase 2 (79MW) expected to be completed in 2026.
Located 15km outside the town of Carlow in the south-east of Ireland, the project will contribute to Orsted’s global goal of reaching 17.5GW of onshore renewables capacity by 2030.
Orsted employs 100 people in its Irish headquarters in Cork City.
Irish government targets for 2030 have recently been revised upwards, with the solar target increasing to 8GW.
With the EU calling for all member states to reduce gas demand, security of supply is an ongoing issue.
TJ Hunter, Senior Director for Onshore Ireland & UK in Orsted, said: “Orsted is committed to multi-technology deployment, investing in a variety of renewable energy sources to ensure reliability and independence of supply.
“Once completed, the two phases for this project will have a combined capacity of 160MW, making it one of the most significant solar farms in the country.”
He added: “It’s critical, however, that government targets are supported by robust investments in grid infrastructure capacity, predictable grid connection timelines, planning timelines, and market structures that can deliver.
“The industry is primed to invest and deliver energy resilience at pace, and it’s essential that the infrastructure and processes are there to support it, or we’re racing towards a roadblock.”
The acquisition of Garreenleen follows the announcement of Orsted’s first solar farm in Ireland at Ballinrea near Carrigaline in Cork, due to be operational in 2025.