Highfield Solar Secures Financing for 93 MWp Solar Plant in Ireland
Highfield Solar has successfully obtained €65 million ($70.6 million) in debt financing for a 93 MWp solar project in Ireland. The Gaskinstown solar PV plant, located near Duleek in County Meath, will utilize bifacial modules on fixed-tilt support structures. This venture is part of Ireland’s commitment to increasing its solar energy capacity to achieve a renewable energy mix target by 2030.
Highfield Solar, in partnership with ib vogt, Highfield Energy, and Aura Power, is set to contribute significantly to Ireland’s renewable energy goals. With construction underway, the project aims to be operational by September 2024, supporting the nation’s transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
Highfield Solar, in collaboration with its partners, has finalized financial arrangements amounting to €65 million for the development of a 93 MWp solar plant in Ireland. The project, named the Gaskinstown solar PV plant, will be situated close to Duleek in County Meath. This strategic location aligns with Ireland’s ambition to expand its solar energy capacity significantly.
Construction Milestones and Partnerships:
The Gaskinstown solar PV plant is set to employ bifacial modules mounted on fixed-tilt support structures, ensuring optimal energy generation capabilities. The project has already commenced the installation of grid-connection infrastructure, with plans to complete the solar array construction by September 2024. This initiative is a result of the collaboration between Highfield Solar, ib vogt from Germany, and local entities Highfield Energy and Aura Power, who established the joint venture in 2014.
Positive Impact and Sustainability Efforts:
Anton Milner, the CEO of ib vogt, emphasized the enduring benefits that projects like the Gaskinstown solar plant bring to local communities through ecological and economic advantages. He highlighted the significant impact of such initiatives under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) in fostering sustainable development in the region. Milner expressed pride in the success of the joint venture, which has been instrumental in constructing some of the largest solar facilities in Ireland, including the recent Rathnaskilloge project.
Ireland’s Renewable Energy Goals:
The Irish government has set ambitious targets to deploy 8 GW of solar energy by 2030, aiming for 80% of the country’s energy mix to be sourced from renewables within the same timeframe. A recent report from the Irish Solar Energy Association revealed that Ireland had already installed approximately 680 MW of solar power by June 2023, indicating significant progress towards these renewable energy objectives.
The Highfield Solar project in collaboration with ib vogt and local partners represents a significant step towards Ireland’s renewable energy aspirations. With a clear focus on sustainable development and community benefits, the Gaskinstown solar PV plant is poised to contribute substantially to the nation’s renewable energy portfolio. This initiative underscores Ireland’s commitment to a greener future and reinforces the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
