ESB completes purchase of major Offaly solar farm

The ESB has confirmed it has purchased the Clonin North Solar Farm near Rhode.

The 70MWp solar farm is capable of generating enough clean electricity to power more than 10,000 homes each year.

The farm has been exporting electricity to the grid since earlier this year and represents a significant addition to ESB's growing portfolio of renewable generation assets, supporting the delivery of its Net Zero by 2040 Strategy.

The project was developed and constructed by Highfield Solar Limited, a joint venture between Highfield Energy Limited, ib vogt GmbH and Aura Power Limited.

David Farrell, Head of Onshore Development ESB said: "Clonin North was brought into ESB Generation & Trading under a turnkey delivery model, the first solar project of its kind for ESB. We are delighted that the project has been successfully delivered into commercial operation. This is another important step in delivering ESB's Net Zero by 2040 Strategy. As electricity demand continues to grow, projects like this will play an important role in increasing Ireland's renewable generation capacity while supporting a more sustainable energy future.”

Peter Kavanagh, Director of Highfield Solar Limited said: “We are delighted to have concluded the sale of Clonin North to an owner of ESB’s standing. This sale is a strong endorsement of Highfield's ability to take projects from concept through construction and into operation, and it enables us to recycle capital into our wider pipeline of renewable projects across Ireland.”