Neoen Secures 170 MWp Solar Projects in Ireland

• Neoen SA secures approval for two major solar projects in Ireland, boosting its renewable portfolio with innovative sheep grazing techniques. Clean energy is on the rise!

Neoen SA, a French renewable energy company, has received provisional approval for two solar projects totaling approximately 170 MWp in Ireland's latest renewable energy auction, known as RESS 4. The projects include the 29-MWp Johnstown North Solar in County Wicklow and the 141-MWp Garr Solar project in County Offaly. Neoen's bid specified 22 MW from Johnstown North and 85 MW from Garr Solar, with final results expected on September 25.

The Johnstown North project is slated to become operational in 2027, while Garr Solar is projected for 2028. Both solar farms will incorporate sheep grazing to manage vegetation. This marks Neoen's third successful bid in RESS tenders, enhancing its Irish portfolio, which already encompasses three solar farms, eight operational wind farms, and additional solar capacity awarded in previous tenders.

What are the implications of Neoen's successful solar bids for Ireland's renewable energy landscape?

- Increased Renewable Capacity: The addition of Neoen's 170 MWp from the Johnstown North and Garr Solar projects will significantly contribute to Ireland's renewable energy capacity, helping the country meet its ambitious targets for clean energy generation by 2030.

- Strengthening Energy Independence: With successful solar projects like those from Neoen, Ireland can bolster its energy independence by reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports, leading to improved energy security and stability.

- Economic Growth and Job Creation: The establishment of these solar farms is expected to create local jobs during the construction and operational phases, contributing positively to the local economy in County Wicklow and County Offaly.

- Biodiversity Benefits: The integration of sheep grazing as a vegetation management strategy not only enhances sustainability but also contributes to local biodiversity, offering an innovative model for land use that can be adopted by future projects.

- Contribution to Climate Goals: Neoen's successful bids underscore a commitment to reducing carbon emissions in line with Ireland’s climate action plan, which aims for a reduction of greenhouse gases and an increase in renewable energy share by 2030.

- Market Confidence and Policy Support: The approvals signal growing confidence in the renewable energy sector in Ireland, potentially attracting more investment and encouraging developments in technology and infrastructure necessary for further renewables expansion.

- Enhanced Grid Stability: By contributing to a diversified energy mix, the additional solar projects can enhance the stability of the electricity grid, providing reliable energy supply and minimizing volatility from weather-dependent generation sources.

- Catalyst for Future Projects: Neoen’s accomplishments in the RESS tenders may serve as a benchmark or catalyst for other renewable companies, inspiring new solar developments and innovations in technology and project approaches.

- Collaboration Opportunities: The successful implementation of these projects may encourage collaborations between various stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, and governmental agencies, fostering a more integrated approach to renewable energy deployment.

- Scaling Up Solar Adoption: With larger solar projects receiving backing, this could lead to growing public acceptance and interest in solar energy solutions, paving the way for increased adoption of smaller-scale solar initiatives across Ireland.

- Impact on Local Energy Transition: Neoen's projects will likely drive discussions at the community level about local energy transition strategies, further engaging citizens in the renewable energy conversation and potentially leading to grassroots initiatives.