ESB and Bord na Móna have announced plans for a joint venture to develop solar power in Ireland.
The companies said the project, which will involve large swathes of peatland being covered in solar panels, will provide renewable energy for thousands of homes.
They have committed €10m between them for front-end pre-engineering assessments surrounding four bogland locations on which they aim to install two and a half thousand acres of solar panels.
They said they are planning to develop solar power at four locations in counties Roscommon, Offaly and Kildare.
The solar panels will be located on Bord na Móna land that was previously used as peat bogs.
The bogs are located at Timahoe in Co Kildare, Blackwater in Offaly, and Mount Dillon in Roscommon.
The companies said the reduction in the cost of solar technology has made it a more financially viable option for Ireland.
The partnership between the two semi-State companies aims to generate enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of 150,000 homes when the farms become operational in 2019.
The companies said they will be engaging with local communities and addressing any concerns that arise during the planning process.
Chief Executive of Bord na Móna Mike Quinn said that community engagement will be at the heart of project with open and transparent engagement with households adjacent to any proposed development.
