Statkraft has energised the 174MW Clonfad and 32MW Irishtown solar projects in Ireland, bringing its installed solar capacity in the country to 560MW.
The company said this total represents just over 40% of Ireland’s installed utility-scale solar capacity of approximately 1300MW.
Statkraft added that the milestone strengthens Ireland’s energy security and accelerates delivery of domestic renewable electricity amid growing demand and market volatility.
Clonfad is located in Westmeath while Irishtown is situated on the outskirts of Dublin.
“This is a special moment for Statkraft in Ireland, which has been developing and building renewable energy at pace since we came into the country. The energisation of Clonfad and Irishtown means we have now installed 560MW of solar energy, all contributing to our electricity grid,” said Kevin O’Donovan, managing director of Statkraft Ireland.
“This represents a positive step in a very turbulent time. With the current geopolitical challenges, we are seeing an ever-increasing need to deliver renewables to ensure safe and secure, domestic energy supplies.”
“This milestone shows the scale at which solar is now being delivered in Ireland. Large projects like Clonfad and Irishtown are helping bring more clean, home-grown electricity onto the grid at a time when energy security and affordability are key priorities,” said Ronan Power, chief executive of Solar Ireland.
“To maintain this momentum, it will be important that policy, grid investment, and planning frameworks continue to support the rapid deployment of solar and other renewables across the country.”
With both projects now energised, Statkraft said its solar portfolio in Ireland will begin distributing a Community Benefit Fund to local areas within a year of operation.