Sun Shines on Irish Solar Sector

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Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland)--The sun is shining on Ireland's fast developing solar power sector following a decision by Danish investor Obton (Aarhus, Denmark) to more than double its investment in Irish solar projects to 750 million euros (US$908 million).

The company now estimates that it will have up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of Irish-based solar farms in place over the next five years. Obton entered the Irish market just over a year ago when it teamed up with local player Shannon Energy (Dublin, Ireland) with plans to develop up to 500 megawatts (MW) of solar projects, which would have represented an investment of 300 million euros (US$363 million).

Key to Obton's increased investment was its success in securing government support. The Danish-Irish partnership last year submitted 11 solar projects in the first round of the Irish government's Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and was awarded contracts for all of the projects. The projects are located in eight counties around the country, including Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Longford, Galway, Offaly, Meath and Tipperary. They have a combined generating capacity of 118 MW, enough to power up to 20,000 households annually. Industrial Info is tracking all of the key projects, including the construction of the partnership's first solar farm--the 8-MW Horsepasture project in County Tipperary--which will kick off next month. Boasting nearly 20,000 solar panels, it will be commissioned at the end of the year.

"We are delighted to announce our expansion and increased investment plans for Ireland, as it represents our enhanced commitment and ambitions for the sustainable energy market in this country," said Anders Marcus, chief executive officer of Obton. "Our partnership with Shannon Energy has successfully facilitated our investment in the Irish market, and we look forward to continuing to expand the role of solar as part of the Irish Government's ambitious objective of having 70% renewable energy by 2030."

The news comes as rival renewable energy company EDF Renewables Ireland (Dublin) is about to start building three new solar farms in counties Wexford and Kilkenny this month, with a combined capacity of 17 MW. They are the first of its projects to go forward following its buyout of Wexford Solar last year. Each was successful in receiving support under the first round of the government's Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. Industrial Info also is tracking a number of other planned Irish EDF solar projects with an investment value of roughly US$90 million.

Kevin Daly, Head of Development at EDF Renewables Ireland, told media: "These three new solar farms will make an important contribution to meeting [Ireland's renewable] goals and providing consumers with affordable, low-carbon electricity."

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