Construction to begin on Ireland's largest solar farm near Rhode in coming months

Construction is set to begin on Ireland's largest solar farm in the coming months. Garr Solar Farm, located 2.7km north of Rhode, is hoped to begin operating in 2029.

Garr Solar Farm is the first project in Offaly by Neoen, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies.

The company has provided notice to proceed for its 162 MWp Garr Solar Farm to Omexom for the solar arrays and associated infrastructure, and to TLI Group for the construction of the onsite substation and grid connection.

Garr Solar Farm will generate enough energy to power over 38,000 homes and prevent over 51,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

The solar farm, which will connect to the transmission network operated by EirGrid, is scheduled to be operating in 2029.

Ciaran O’Brien, Managing Director of Neoen Ireland, said: “Garr solar farm represents a major milestone for Neoen’s investment in Ireland’s energy future, and we would like to sincerely thank the Irish government, EirGrid and ESBN for placing their trust in us.

“These project demonstrates our strong partnerships and growth under Ireland’s RESS framework, and they will deliver tangible benefits to the Offaly community.”

Xavier Barbaro, Group CEO of Neoen, said: “With demand for electricity growing in Ireland, we are proud to be contributing a further 195 MWp of solar capacity, and to play our part in relieving pressure on power prices in the long run.”