Neoen launches construction of 79 MWp solar farm in Ireland

NEOEN has provided notice to proceed to Omexom and TLI Group under EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) turnkey contracts, respectively for the solar plant and the 110 kV onsite substation, signaling the start of construction of the 79 MWp Ballinknockane solar farm in County Limerick, West of Ireland.

Ballinknockane Solar Farm was successful in Ireland’s RESS 2 auction in 2022 and will benefit from a CfD (Contract for Difference) mechanism valid until 2040. With an initially planned capacity of approximately 61 MWp, the solar farm has been upgraded to 79 MWp. The solar farm will generate enough energy to power 16,000 homes, preventing the emission of around 21,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year. The solar farm will also incorporate agrisolar in the form of sheep-grazing. Finally, several measures will be implemented to improve the biodiversity on site: planting of trees & hedges, bird boxes, bug hotels, and ​bio-diversity meadows. Ballinknockane is scheduled to be energized in mid-2026 and commissioned in the first half of 2027.