Statkraft, a prominent renewable energy company, has commenced the construction of the Harlockstown Solar project in Ireland, a significant milestone in the country's renewable energy sector. Located in County Meath, this project is part of Statkraft's collaboration with Microsoft, wherein a comprehensive Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) was established last year.
The CPPA between Statkraft Ireland and Microsoft entails the supply of 366MW of clean energy from six wind and solar farms. This multi-year agreement not only ensures a substantial amount of renewable energy for Microsoft but also introduces a Community Benefit Fund. The Community Benefit Fund aims to support community-led initiatives focused on clean energy and environmental justice, with grants amounting to approximately €1.3 million throughout the project's lifetime. Such initiatives are expected to make a tangible difference in local communities and contribute to a brighter future.
In line with Ireland's Climate Action Plan, the government has set a target of sourcing 15% of electricity demand from renewable energy CPPAs by 2030. This equates to approximately 6 terawatt hours of additional electricity generation. By engaging in renewable energy contracts, such as the one with Statkraft and other CPPAs announced in November 2023, Microsoft is actively involved in the development of over 900MW of onshore wind and solar energy projects.
During the project's inauguration, Dara Calleary, the Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, emphasized the significance of data management in achieving decarbonization ambitions. Calleary commended Statkraft and Microsoft for their collaboration, acknowledging the vital role renewable energy plays in combating climate change. The minister highlighted that the newly established solar project has the capacity to power nearly 9,000 homes, emphasizing the importance of Corporate PPAs in supporting Ireland's renewable energy and climate targets. Furthermore, Calleary expressed his belief that Corporate PPAs can facilitate the necessary systemic changes in the electricity sector, benefitting households, businesses, and local communities.
Kevin O'Donovan, Senior Vice President at Statkraft, emphasized the public's growing awareness of solar power's significance in meeting Ireland's energy needs and ensuring energy security. Each solar panel installed reduces reliance on polluting and expensive fossil fuels while enhancing the country's energy independence. O'Donovan stressed that addressing climate action and achieving the 2030 targets requires a diverse range of rapidly deployed technologies and solutions working in harmony to decarbonize the electricity supply. In light of this, he expressed delight in announcing the commencement of construction on the Harlockstown Solar project, highlighting its role in driving Ireland towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
