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French renewable energy company Neoen has begun construction on two new solar energy projects in Ireland, marking a significant step in the country’s expanding renewable energy sector.

The projects — Garr Solar Farm in County Offaly and Johnstown North Solar Farm in County Wicklow — have a combined capacity of approximately 195 MWp, and are expected to contribute substantially to Ireland’s clean energy supply.

The larger of the two developments, Garr Solar Farm (162 MWp), is set to become one of the largest solar farms in Ireland. Once operational, it is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 38,000 homes annually, while reducing carbon emissions by over 51,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

The second project, Johnstown North Solar Farm (33 MWp), will supply energy to around 8,000 homes and is projected to cut emissions by more than 10,500 tonnes annually.

Construction activities are expected to begin in the coming months following the issuance of notices to proceed to contractors responsible for engineering and grid connection works.

• Johnstown North Solar Farm is scheduled to become operational in 2028
• Garr Solar Farm is expected to be operational in 2029

Both projects will connect to Ireland’s electricity network, with Garr linking to the national transmission system and Johnstown North connecting to the distribution grid. The two solar farms were awarded contracts under Ireland’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 4) in 2024, which aims to accelerate the country’s transition to low-carbon energy.

Once completed, the projects will nearly double Neoen’s operational and in-construction capacity in Ireland to approximately 410 MW of wind and solar energy. The company also maintains a broader pipeline of renewable energy developments in Ireland, including solar, wind, and battery storage projects.

Neoen stated that both projects will incorporate biodiversity initiatives such as native planting and wildlife habitats, alongside community benefit funds to support local initiatives. Sustainable land management practices, including sheep grazing for vegetation control, are also planned as part of the project design.

Source: power-technology.com