We are pleased to announce a significant milestone in Ireland’s renewable energy journey: ESB Networks has successfully energized an impressive 1,000 MW (one Gigawatt) of solar PV generation connected to the country’s electricity network.
This achievement encompasses 500 MW of utility-scale solar connections, with 369 MW sourced from larger projects integrated into the transmission system managed by EirGrid. Additionally, there’s 300 MW of microgeneration, primarily from domestic rooftop solar, and 200 MW of non-exporting solar generation.
To provide context, one Gigawatt of solar power can sustainably power approximately 400,000 homes during optimal weather conditions. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given that peak demand on Ireland’s electricity system hovers around 5.5 GW.
Minister for Climate, Eamon Ryan TD, underscored the pivotal role of solar energy in Ireland’s renewable energy landscape. He emphasized the “rooftop revolution,” which has seen solar panels proliferate across towns and suburbs, powering over 82,000 homes. Furthermore, he highlighted the socioeconomic benefits of solar farms, including new income streams for farmers, job creation, and community development.
Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director of ESB Networks, hailed this achievement as a testament to collaborative efforts and sustained investment in a cleaner, more resilient, and flexible electricity infrastructure. Beyond reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, this milestone signifies a crucial step towards realizing Ireland’s vision of a clean, electric future.
Conall Bolger of the Irish Solar Energy Association echoed these sentiments, lauding the milestone as a significant stride in combating climate change and advancing the solar industry. Connecting 1 Gigawatt of solar power in less than two years since the energization of Ireland’s first solar farm underscores the immense potential of solar energy. With a robust pipeline of new solar projects in development, Ireland is on track to achieve its ambitious target of 8 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
GX Solartech is proud to contribute to this renewable energy milestone, offering tailored solutions for commercial and farm PV financial requirements. Let’s continue harnessing the power of the sun for a sustainable and prosperous future!
If you are considering installing a solar farm on your land and would like more information regarding to this, contact GX Solartech today. We can help you determine if a solar farm is right for your land and provide you with the services you need to install a solar farm correctly.