Ørsted buys 160-MW solar project in Ireland

Ørsted A/S (CPH:ORSTED) said today it has acquired its second solar project in Ireland, the 160-MW Garrenleen scheme near Carlow in the southeastern part of the country.

The Danish clean energy group purchased the project from renewables developer Terra Solar for an undisclosed sum.

Subject to a final investment decision, Ørsted plans to deliver the project in two phases, with 81 MW to be completed in 2025 and 79 MW in 2026. Garrenleen will be one of Ireland’s largest solar farms upon completion.

The project supports Ørsted’s goal of reaching 17.5 GW of onshore capacity globally by 2030.

The company noted that the Irish government’s 2030 renewable energy targets have recently been increased, with the solar goal raised to 8 GW. TJ Hunter, senior director for Onshore Ireland & UK in Ørsted, also commented: “It’s critical, however, that government targets are supported by robust investments in grid infrastructure capacity, predictable grid connection timelines, planning timelines, and market structures that can deliver.”

Ørsted last year acquired its first solar project, the 65-MW Ballinrea development, also from Terra Solar. The Danish group already operates 360 MW of onshore wind in Ireland.

“Ørsted is committed to multi-technology deployment, investing in a variety of renewable energy sources to ensure reliability and independence of supply,” said TJ Hunter.

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