Green Limerick: Bright future for solar farm first, with construction underway

THE FIRST utility-scale solar farm in Limerick has gotten the green light, with construction set to get underway. 

Renewable energy producer Neoen, which is leading the project, announced the construction start of 79 MWp solar farm in Ballinknockane, between Askeaton and Foynes.

The solar farm will generate enough energy to power 16,000 homes, which in turn, prevents the emission of around 21,000 tonnes of CO2 a year.

Neoen, one of the world’s leading producers in renewable energy, has provided notice to proceed to Omexom and TLI Group under Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) turnkey contracts, respectively for the solar plant and a 110 kV onsite substation. This marks the start of the build. 

Omexom has been appointed as EPC contractor for the solar plant and TLI Group for the construction of the substation. 

The build will be Neoen’s first transmission-connected project in Ireland, and the first utility-scale solar farm in Limerick. 

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Ballinknockane is scheduled to be energised in mid-2026 and commissioned in the first half of 2027. 

Cyril Perrin, managing director of Neoen Ireland, said: “We are proud to take part in the economical and sustainable ambitions of the Shannon Estuary region. 

“Ballinknockane solar farm is a great lever to diversify the energy mix in Limerick and contribute to Ireland’s 2030 climate targets.

“I would like to thank the teams of  Neoen, Eirgrid, Limerick City and County Council, Omexom and TLI Group for their hard work and dedication, as well as our gratitude to host landowners for their partnership and trust.”

Ballinknockane solar farm was awarded in the Republic of Ireland’s RESS 2 auction in 2022  and will benefit from a CfD  (Contract for Difference) mechanism valid until 2040. 

With an initial planned capacity of approximately  61 MWp, the solar farm has been upgraded to 79 MWp. 

Neoen will also contribute to the local economy, as it is set to implement a Community Benefit Fund for local community initiatives, totalling over €1.8m over the asset’s lifetime. 

Additionally, the solar farm will incorporate agri-solar practices, in the form of sheep grazing. 

Several measures will be introduced to improve the biodiversity of the site, which include the planting of trees and hedges, bird boxes, bug hotels and eco-friendly meadows. 

Adding Ballinknockane and Limerick to their record, Neoen’s capacity in operation or under construction in Ireland now reaches 190  MW, including three solar farms (totalling 58 MWp) and eight wind farms (totalling 53 MW) in operation. 

Xavier Barbaro, Neoen’s chairman and CEO said: “The launch of the construction of the Ballinknockane solar farm, combined with the success of our projects at the RESS 4  auction, is an opportunity for the company to restate and renew its ambition for Ireland. 

“We opened our Irish office five years ago and our efforts are bearing fruit! 

“Thanks to the commitment of our teams and the quality of the projects, we are developing in solar, wind and storage, and we are accelerating the energy transition in Ireland and the rest of the world.”

Founded in 2008, Neoen plays a role in the energy transition by producing competitive, green and local energy.