Lightsource bp says it plans to develop a solar-plus-storage facility in Ireland. The proposed installation will consist of a 57 MW solar array and a 54 MW energy storage system on an open grassland site in the eastern part of the country.
Light source bp has outlined a proposal for the financing, development and construction of a 57 MW solar and 54 MW energy storage facility near Kells, County Meath, Eastern Ireland. The proposed solar installation will generate enough renewable energy to power 21,300 homes, the company said.
The facility will be built on open grassland on a 74 hectare site. Lightsource bp is planning a bespoke biodiversity management plan in conjunction with the planning application, to “ensure that the plan enhances the site as much as possible for local wildlife.”
The proposed layout of the site leaves wide grass avenues between the rows of solar panels. Lightsource bp said this will reduce shading to optimize the amount of sunlight each row of panels receives. It will also leave approximately 70% of the solar installation as open pasture, supporting grazing livestock, while the panels provide shade, shelter and protection for sheep, geese or chickens.
A community event is planned for May 22 for residents in the area to gather more information about the proposals.
“We want to ensure that local communities in and around the proposed site have all the information they need about this project,” said Aidan Collins, the company’s head of environmental planning UK and Ireland. “We are holding this information event to speak to elected officials, local businesses and residents of the local community, and to gather feedback.”
Ireland had deployed 738 MW of solar power by the end of 2023, according to figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency. It has set a target of reaching 8 GW by 2030, as part of its goal of achieving 80% of the energy market from renewables by the end of the decade.
Lightsource bp claims to have developed more than 8.4 GW of solar energy in 19 markets to date. It secured financing for a 560 MW solar project in Greece in April.
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