Orsted, a global leader in renewable energy, has made its inaugural solar investment in Ireland by confirming the final investment decision (FID) on phase one of the Garreenleen Solar Farm.
Situated just 15 km outside Carlow town, this 81 MW solar development is slated for operational readiness by 2026, marking Orsted’s foray into the Irish solar market and augmenting its operational capacity on the island to nearly 500 MW.
Today’s FID represents a significant milestone following the project’s triumph in the Irish Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme 3 (RESS 3) auction held in September 2023. Orsted emerged successful in the auction, securing two projects —wind and solar — totaling 124 MW. The average strike price in the RESS 3 auction stood at EUR 100.47 per MWh, aligning closely with comparable rates in other European markets.
Kieran White, Senior Vice President of Onshore in Region Europe at Orsted, highlighted the pivotal role of solar energy in Ireland’s transition to a completely green power system. He expressed enthusiasm about Orsted’s inaugural solar venture in Ireland, underlining the company’s commitment to further projects in the region.
“While Garreenleen represents our maiden solar project in Ireland, our robust pipeline of ongoing projects, progressing through consenting and grid access stages, reinforces our confidence in additional endeavors,” White affirmed.
Elaborating on Garreenleen’s strategic advantages, White emphasized its advantageous location with a direct grid connection to a robust node in the national electricity network. This area is projected to have minimal grid constraints, enhancing the project’s viability. Moreover, the investment decision for this phase includes the installation of essential grid infrastructure, enabling a subsequent phase’s seamless integration—an aspect Orsted aims to commit to within the next year.
This investment marks Orsted’s commitment to bolstering Ireland’s renewable energy landscape while reaffirming its dedication to sustainable energy solutions on a global scale.