Orsted has unveiled plans to develop a 400MW portfolio of solar projects in Ireland through a strategic partnership with Irish renewable energy developer Terra Solar. These solar installations have the potential to supply clean energy to more than 90,000 households in Ireland.
This significant collaboration represents a substantial addition to Orsted's growing solar pipeline in Ireland, which now exceeds 600MW in capacity. Pending grid route consent and a grid offer, these new projects are slated for completion by 2030, aligning with the ambitious targets set forth in the Irish government's 8GW Climate Action Plan for solar energy.
The renewable electricity generated by this expansive solar farm portfolio will have various avenues to reach the market, including participation in future Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions and corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
Orsted's foray into the Irish solar market comes on the heels of its recent entry into the UK solar sector, where the company is developing a proposed 740MW solar farm accompanied by battery storage facilities in Nottinghamshire.
TJ Hunter, Senior Director of Development & Operations in the UK & Ireland at Orsted, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are delighted to extend our existing collaboration with Terra Solar on the development of these projects, which will contribute to Orsted's global goal of achieving 17.5GW of onshore renewables by 2030. Solar energy is an essential component for enabling the Irish power system to run entirely on green energy.”
Ireland has faced energy challenges, including amber alerts on warm summer days with low wind speeds, resulting in elevated electricity costs due to an overreliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, Ireland's electricity has one of the highest carbon intensities in Europe. To address these issues and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the growth of solar energy is seen as a crucial complement to onshore wind, offshore wind, and energy storage solutions.
Director at Terra Solar, André Fernon, added, “Terra Solar is delighted to be working in partnership with Orsted on the development of the solar projects announced today. With a combined capacity of up to 400MW, this partnership will contribute significantly to Ireland's low-carbon future, strengthen our indigenous energy supply, and ensure competitively priced green electricity for Irish consumers.”
