Green Limerick: Solar farm in east Limerick moves another step closer

INTERNATIONAL energy provider Engie has announced its first Irish-based onshore renewable energy project, with Astatine selected to build three new solar farms in Limerick and Galway in 2025.

The solar farm in Dromsallagh, Cappamore is part of six projects awarded under last year’s Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS, a Government initiative designed to promote the development of utility-scale renewable energy sources in Ireland).

Dublin-based Astatine; along with TLI Group, which was also selected by Engie to be part of the project; will start building the initial three solar farms in January 2025, with the projects expected to be commissioned later in the year.

The new solar farms, located in Limerick and Galway, will have a combined installed capacity of 18-megawatt peak (MWp), allowing them to generate enough electricity to deliver clean, renewable, affordable energy to 4,100 homes.

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As part of its sustainable development strategy, Engie will also establish a community benefit fund for the new solar farm in east Limerick.

This fund will allocate approximately €34,000 per year to support local communities, to be overseen by a dedicated fund manager in Ireland.

“We are proud and excited to have been selected by Engie to build the company’s first onshore renewable energy project here in Ireland,” said Tom Marren, CEO of Astatine.

“Switching to solar power will also help to decarbonise communities, reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and their reliance on fossil fuels.

“Working with Engie on this project is another significant step on Ireland’s decarbonisation journey and we can’t wait to get started,” Mr Marren concluded.

The Limerick and Galway solar farms are part of six projects awarded under last year’s Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS), a government initiative designed to promote the development of utility-scale renewable energy sources in Ireland.

Astatine is a leading Irish company specialising in industrial decarbonisation solutions for power, heat, and transport sectors.

Headquartered in France, Engie operates in over 70 countries and is a global leader in low-carbon energy.