- France’s Neoen SA has announced that two solar projects, with a combined capacity of roughly 170 MWp, were provisionally selected in Ireland’s latest auction.
- Neoen expects Johnstown North to become operational in 2027, followed by Garr in 2028.
France’s Neoen has announced that two solar projects, with a combined capacity of roughly 170 MWp, were provisionally selected in Ireland’s latest auction for onshore renewables.
The French renewables firm was successful in Ireland’s fourth government tender, RESS 4, with the 29-MWp Johnstown North Solar in County Wicklow and the 141-MWp Garr Solar project in County Offaly.
According to the provisional results, Neoen offered 22 MW from Johnstown North and 85 MW from Garr Solar. The final tender results will be announced on September 25.
Neoen expects Johnstown North to become operational in 2027, followed by Garr in 2028. The company said that both solar farms will be built to allow sheep grazing to maintain vegetation during operations.
This marked Neoen’s third successful participation in Ireland’s RESS tenders. The new projects will boost Neoen’s Irish portfolio, which currently includes three solar farms totalling 58 MWp, 53 MW across eight operational wind farms and 80 MWp of solar awarded in the RESS 2 tender.
Furthermore, RESS 4 will significantly boost Ireland’s target of 80 per cent renewable electricity by 2030, as set out in the government’s Climate Action Plan 2024. The speedy delivery of onshore renewables this decade is critical to Ireland’s energy security and the reduction of energy costs for homes and businesses. Ensuring that the roll-out of onshore wind and solar farms keeps pace with the economy’s growth is also critical.
Also, the success of RESS auctions depended on the renewable electricity projects’ supply pipeline, their participation in the auction, the evolving market, and locational and technological considerations.
The RESS provides pathways for renewable developers to plan and develop their projects. It will also allow Ireland to take advantage of new emerging technologies.