Denmark’s Largest Energy Firm Ørsted Acquires Its First Solar Farm in Ireland

Denmark-based international renewable energy player Ørsted has said that it has acquired its first solar project called Ballinrea solar PV in Ireland through an agreement with Dublin’s (Ireland) renewable energy developer Terra Solar. Ørsted said that this takeover is a strategic first step towards the company’s multi-technology deployment in Ireland. Ørsted has committed to invest in several renewable energy sources.

The 65 MW Ballinrea solar project is located between Carrigaline and Cork City. The project will supply the electricity needs of 16,000 Irish households. Its construction is expected to begin in 2024 and will be operationalised by 2025.

Kieran White, Vice President, Ørsted Europe Onshore said, “For Ireland to ensure energy resilience and deliver its 2030 energy targets, it is essential that multiple technologies are delivered in tandem, from solar and onshore wind to offshore wind and storage. This is a key priority for Ørsted, both in Ireland and overseas.”

White held, “The Ballinrea Solar Farm will make a meaningful contribution to Ireland’s national energy target of 80% renewables by 2030 as well as to the Government’s new 5.5GW solar target. It will also enhance the climate neutrality of the region by generating power for 16,000 homes, which is also the number of new homes planned to be built in the city between now and 2028.”

Concluding, White added, “We are continuing to invest in our Cork-based team and development projects to grow our existing Irish operational asset base of 327 MW. As well as the cost and security of energy, the ever-present climate crisis has never been more acute. It is essential that Government and stakeholders continue to work collaboratively with industry to ensure that it can deliver environmentally, socially and economically for Ireland.”

Ørsted had also acquired UK’s onshore wind business operator Brookfield Renewable Ireland in June 2021. Ørsted, at present, has about 5 GW of capacity in operations. The company wants to clock 17.5 GW of onshore capacity by 2030 worldwide.