SSE Renewables has received planning permission from Wexford County Council for the development of the Richfield solar farm in Ireland.
The project includes a 21 megawatts peak solar photovoltaic array located in Hooks and Yoletown.
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It will utilise the same grid connection as the 27MW Richfield wind farm in south Wexford, operational since 2006.
Solar farm’s delivery hinges on SSE securing a viable market route and making a final investment decision to commence construction.
SSE noted that the project’s success also depends on modifications to Ireland’s grid connection regulations, allowing the new solar farm to dynamically share the wind farm’s current export capacity.
The integration of wind and solar generation at Richfield is anticipated to yield more consistent and robust energy output. The combined renewable energy generation aligns with Ireland’s goal to produce 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
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By GlobalDataRichfield solar farm could boost the area’s annual renewable output by 25%, generating additional solar energy to power 4,500 Irish homes annually.
It will be an addition to the wind farm’s current capacity, which powers an equivalent of 18,000 homes each year.
SSE Renewables senior project manager Garry Brides stated: “Through the Richfield solar farm development, SSE Renewables is demonstrating that developing and operating complementary renewable energy technologies beside each other can help maximise land usage and grid capacity, while also supporting the delivery of Ireland’s climate goals.
“Our ability to reach a positive final investment decision to begin construction will depend on factors including changes to Ireland’s current grid connection regulations for hybrid connections.
“We note that the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities is expected to publish a policy decision on these reforms later this year and we’re ready to work closely with the regulator, EirGrid and government to remove any remaining barriers to the delivery of such hybrid connections.”
In July 2024 SSE Renewables and Equinor reached a preliminary agreement with the UK’s Crown Estate on the commercial terms for leasing the seabed for the proposed Dogger Bank D phase.
