ESB has energised its first wholly-owned solar farm, Bullstown Solar Farm, in County Meath.

The 44-acre project, which began construction in January 2024, will generate 8.4MW of electricity, supplying power to more than 2,000 homes annually.

The project was delivered in partnership with Greencells GmbH and the Kildare-based company Powercomm Group. This collaboration oversaw the construction and commissioning of the site, marking a key step in ESB’s plan to develop 1.2GW of solar capacity by 2030.

Following energisation, ESB will launch the Bullstown Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund in early 2026 to provide grants to organisations in the local area.

Commenting on the announcement, Eoin Naughton, Solar Development Manager at ESB, said: "As part of our Net Zero by 2040 strategy, we are committed to expanding our solar energy portfolio. Over the past year, solar energy production has experienced exponential growth, and Bullstown marks a significant milestone in our journey toward delivering 1.2GW of solar capacity by 2030. This energisation is just the first of many solar projects we will deliver - supporting Ireland's transition to a low-carbon future whilst bolstering our energy independence."

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Thomas Sutton, landowner of Bullstown Solar Farm, added: "Having a solar farm on my land was an easy choice to make. It provides a steady income and allows me to contribute to cleaner energy. ESB's team were easy to work with and I was especially pleased with the habitat restoration and the planting of wildflowers across the site." 

ESB's Net Zero by 2040 strategy includes a commitment to deliver more than a fivefold increase in renewable generation to 5,000MW, with solar playing an important part in this alongside offshore and onshore wind, battery and green hydrogen projects. 

Bullstown Solar Farm forms part of ESB's pipeline of utility-scale solar farms throughout the midlands, south and south-east of the country. 

For more information visit www.esb.ie.