Statkraft has activated two solar projects in Ireland, at Clonfad and Irishtown, taking its total installed solar capacity in the country to over 560MW.
This represents just over 40% of the total installed utility-scale solar in Ireland, of around 1.3GW.
The 174MW project in Clonfad, Westmeath. and the 32MW project in Irishtown, Dublin, were both energised in recent weeks, and represent ‘another step in strengthening Ireland’s energy security’ at a time of energy price volatility, according to the firm.
‘A special moment’
“This is a special moment for Statkraft in Ireland, which has been developing and building renewable energy at pace since we came into the country,” commented Kevin O’Donovan, Statkraft Ireland MD. “The energisation of Clonfad and Irishtown means we have now installed 560MW of solar energy, all contributing to our electricity grid.”
O’Donovan added that solar power, alongside wind energy, can help reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, especially gas, which often determines wholesale electricity prices.
“A stable energy source means stable prices – and this is what solar, and wind energy brings to Irish consumers. By pairing this with increased storage and grid stability projects, it reduces our dependence on imported gas.”
EirGrid, which operates Ireland’s power grid, has previously speculated that at least 80% of the electricity in Ireland could in time come from renewables, provided there is sufficient investment in infrastructure and storage, and a widespread electrification rollout.
“With more renewables, we use far less gas, resulting in gas setting the wholesale price less often,” O’Donovan added.
Solar deployment
Elsewhere, Ronan Power, the chief executive of Solar Ireland, also welcomed the project, saying that it underlines the increasing scale and pace of solar deployment.
“Large projects like Clonfad and Irishtown are helping bring more clean, home-grown electricity onto the grid at a time when energy security and affordability are key priorities,” he commented. “To maintain this momentum, it will be important that policy, grid investment, and planning frameworks continue to support the rapid deployment of solar and other renewables across the country.” Read more here.
