EDF Renewables said today that it has energised its first three solar farms in Ireland, which have the capacity to power the equivalent of 6,600 homes.
The three solar farms are located in Wexford and Kilkenny and they have a combined capacity of 17M.
They are among the first utility-scale solar farms to be developed under the Government's Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and connected to the national grid.
Curraghmartin Solar Farm is sited in Carrigeen in Co Kilkenny, while Coolroe Solar Farm, in Ballycullane and Blusheens Solar Farm, in Killinick, are both in Co Wexford.
EDF said the projects are the first to be completed after its deal for 100% of Wexford Solar in 2020, which included eight projects with over 100MW of capacity across the country.
All three projects were successful in the country's first RESS auction, enabling them to supply electricity at a pre-agreed price.
In addition to the solar panels, EDF said that sheep will continue to graze on the sites of the solar farms, which will help to control the growth of vegetation.
The three solar farms will together save over 9,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, the company said.
Jenny Howard, Head of Development at EDF Renewables Ireland, said that solar energy has a crucial role to play in ensuring Ireland has a diverse, low-carbon energy mix and can safeguard its own supply of electricity.
"These three projects mark another step towards achieving the Government's target of 8 GW of solar energy by 2030, and each will also make a positive local contribution, providing funding for community projects and initiatives via the Community Benefit Funds," Ms Howard added.
"We look forward to supporting the continued growth of Ireland’s emerging solar sector in the years to come," she added.
Welcoming the energisation of the projects, Conall Bolger, CEO of the Irish Solar Energy Association, said the country urgently needs solar electricity to meet our climate action targets.
"Through exciting developments, such as the Curraghmartin, Coolroe and Blusheens Solar Farms, Ireland is now embracing its solar potential," he added.
