EDF Renewables has continued its expansion in Ireland with the acquisition of Wexford Solar Limited.
This includes eight solar projects with a capacity of about 100MW across the country. Of these, four were consented and have been successful in the first RESS auction, this includes Blusheens (11.5MW), Coolroe (7.4 MW) and Curraghmartin (5.7 MW) – all of which are in County Wexford – and Stamullen (5.8 MW) in County Meath.
Construction is expected to start in 2021 for these projects, while the other four projects acquired as part of Wexford Solar’s portfolio are in the development stage currently. These include Ballycarren (6MW) in County Wexford, Willville (5.7MW) in County Louth, Johnstown (15MW) in County Carlow and Athlone (45MW) in County Roscommon.
As part of EDF Renewables' expansion, it is also opening a new, bigger office in Dublin. This hub in the capital will allow it to accommodate the growth of its portfolio, including projects like its recently acquired 50% stake in the Codling offshore wind farm, which it is developing with Fred Olsen.
Irish head of development Kevin Daly and his team of six will be based in this office in the capital, with the team expected to grow quickly. Currently, all members of the team are working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
EDF Renewables Ireland CEO Matthieu Hue said the Wexford solar projects were an important addition to the company’s portfolio “which we pursue at pace.”
"We are delighted by the progress we are making in Ireland, and will continue to grow and work with the Irish government and communities to further demonstrate EDF Renewables commitment to support the country’s Climate Action Plan, which calls for 70% of renewable energy by 2030."
The developments come as EDF Renewables works to expand its solar portfolio in the UK as well, including targeting 200MW of hybrid solar and battery storage projects thanks to a new partnership with Octo Energy.
Its first ground-mount solar project in the UK – the 49.9MW Sutton Bridge solar farm in Lincolnshire – recently took a step forwards as well, as it continues to build towards the company’s goal of doubling its installed renewable energy capacity globally from 28GW to 50GW over the next decade.