Ireland's first grid scale solar project has been officially connected to the Irish national grid.

Developed by global firm Neoen, the Millvale solar farm in County Wicklow is expected to become fully operational by May 2022.

Millvale forms part of a portfolio of three solar farms fully owned by Neoen. The other two – Hilltown (18 MWp, County Meath) and Hortland (25 MWp, County Kildare) – are currently under construction. The solar farms were among the winning projects in the first auction of the Irish government's Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 1) in 2020. The energy generated by the solar farms will be sold under PPAs (purchase power agreements) supported by the Irish government via a CFD (Contract for Difference) mechanism valid until 2037.

Welcoming the announcement, Environment Minister Eamon Ryan said: "I am delighted to see Millvale connecting as Ireland's first grid scale solar project. This is a momentous occasion for Neoen, all those involved in the delivery of the project and particularly for the Irish electricity system and ESB Networks. This is the first of many solar projects expected to energise under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) this year and an important starting point on our journey under the Climate Action Plan of reaching up to 2.5GW of solar on the electricity system by 2030. This government is 100% committed to switching at scale and at speed to renewable energy systems. The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme is one of the primary policies set out in the Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan to address Ireland’s climate challenges over the coming years. RESS supports the growth of the green economy, creates sustainable work opportunities, and benefits citizens as renewable energy becomes more cost effective and replaces our reliance on fossil fuels."

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Cyril Perrin, Managing Director of Neoen Ireland, commented: "We are proud to be the first to supply the Irish national grid with solar energy, a milestone in Ireland's strategy to diversify its energy mix. We are delighted with the speed at which we have been able to deliver this first project. I would like to thank Wicklow County Council and the main contractor Omexom, as well as its subcontractors and the local stakeholders – the farmers who own the land, the residents of Millvale, ESB Networks and our partner BNRG -– for the trust they have placed in us. The three new plants provide a solid foundation for actively pursuing further solar, wind and storage projects to drive our growth in Ireland."

Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director, ESB Networks, added: "ESB Networks is working to connect and facilitate up to 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030 as set out in the Government's Climate Action Plan. This will be achieved by enabling new renewable generators connect to the electricity network, with the growth of grid scale solar playing an important part in delivering this target. We are proud of the excellent teamwork between our customer Neoen and everyone working for ESB Networks that has brought Ireland's first grid scale solar projects from inception to final energisation. We congratulate Neoen on this historic achievement and wish them every success for their future projects."

The construction of the solar farms has created around 100 jobs, with 11 local firms involved in the work. Sheep grazing will be used to control the growth of vegetation in the solar farms. The second of the three solar farms is set to be commissioned in the coming weeks, with the third to follow in the third quarter of this year. Together, they will generate enough electricity to power 12,700 homes and will prevent over 17,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.