In a recent development, UK-based Elgin Energy has been granted planning permission for a 4.2MW solar farm project in Offaly, Ireland. The project is set to make a significant investment of €5 million and is expected to power approximately 1,000 homes. This article delves into the details of the approved solar farm, including land ownership, conditions set by Offaly County Council, and the project’s impact on the local area.
Offaly County Council has given the green light to Elgin Energy for the construction of a 4.2MW solar farm project in Offaly, Ireland. The project is anticipated to require a €5 million investment and will have the capacity to power around 1,000 households. Elgin Energy, a UK-based company, already has a substantial presence in renewable energy with approved solar farms across the Republic of Ireland, as well as ongoing projects in Northern Ireland and Britain.
Documents related to the planning approval indicate that the solar farm will be situated on 17.7 hectares of agricultural land owned by Quattour, a company associated with Elgin Energy. Despite the installation of solar panels, the site will continue to support agricultural activities, particularly sheep grazing in the interspaces between the panels, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between energy generation and farming practices.
The planning permission from Offaly County Council comes with a set of 13 conditions aimed at ensuring environmental protection and compliance. Among these conditions, Elgin Energy is required to make environmental enhancements, contribute €50,000 to the council, and provide a €72,000 security deposit that will be reimbursed upon the decommissioning of the solar farm at the end of its estimated 30-year operational lifespan.
As part of the approved project, an ESB sub-station will be established, along with a 1.6km connection to the national grid facilitated through cabling laid along public roads. This infrastructure will enable the efficient distribution of the renewable energy generated by the solar farm, contributing to the overall sustainability of the region’s energy supply.
The approval of the 4.2MW solar farm project in Offaly signifies a positive step towards enhancing renewable energy infrastructure in Ireland. With Elgin Energy’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and the support of local authorities, this project not only represents a significant investment but also a substantial contribution to the region’s renewable energy goals.
