Ireland

A solar plant planned by developer Gaelectric on a site north of Dublin has failed to receive approval from the local council, according to reports from the Irish Independent.

The U.K.-headquartered renewable energy developer hope to invest €60 million on developing the large-scale solar far on a 129-hectare plot of land in County Meath. Planning permission has already been submitted.

200-page plan proffers detailed breakdown of Ireland’s pathway towards decarbonization and greater energy efficiency by 2050. Key tenet is transition from centralized, fossil-fuel based electricity system to a low carbon power system. Green campaigners criticize plan’s lack of ambition.

Irish power utility EBS and wind specialist Bord na Móna are planning a giant solar project across three counties in the middle of Ireland. Meanwhile, large-scale PV projects with a combined capacity of 1.47 GW were submitted to the local grid operator for approval.

The €220 million deal has been signed by Irish company BNRG and French energy firm Neoen to build 23 solar parks in Ireland, totalling 220MW.

A recent presentation at the European Union-funded Grid and Storage workshop in London showcased why Ireland has emerged as Europe’s energy storage lab, and might soon comprise an active storage market.

There is a lot of talk and action regarding energy storage in Europe and the sector is actively discussing which national market will emerge most strongly. A seldom discussed but very strong case can be made for Ireland.