Statkraft, Europe's largest generator of renewable energy, has begun construction on Ireland’s largest operational solar farm in Ballymacarney, Co Meath. The solar farm will be fully operational by the end of 2022.
Statkraft's Ballymacarney project is set to significantly benefit the local community delivering more than €40,000 per year to local community initiatives and creating enough energy to power more than 40,000 homes.
Kevin O’Donovan, managing director of Statkraft Ireland, said that "supporting and developing renewable energy such as solar is the solution to major challenges such as reducing emissions and combating climate change."
“Solar is low impact, low maintenance and a very predicable form of energy. It also diversifies our renewable energy sources here in Ireland, makes a meaningful contribution to decarbonising our electricity system and ensures that we are continuing an upward green growth trajectory,” O’Donovan said.
Statkraft has planned further solar projects to be constructed in the future.
Statkraft has paid more than €10m for the rights to five solar farm projects in Cork, Laois, Meath and Tipperary, according to the Irish Independent.
