Two new solar energy farms begin construction in Kildare

Construction has started on two solar farms in Kildare by leading Irish renewable energy firm BNRG Renewables who have been operating since 2007. The projects, located in Kerdiffstown and the former Dunmurry Springs Golf Course, have a combined capacity of 28MW which will produce enough solar energy to power roughly 5,400 homes each year via the national grid as part of the Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 2).

Due for completion by 2025, both sites support dual land use and are designed to allow for sheep grazing on site to support vegetation management and landowners. Kildare communities in these locations will also benefit from a collective €46,000 Community Benefit Fund which will be available after one year of operation and each year, for a minimum of 15 years, with grants based on electricity generated through the solar farms.

Speaking about the solar farms, BNRG Programme Manager, Daniel Moloney said, “We are delighted to get these projects off the ground in Kildare and are grateful to everyone involved including the landowners and the County Council.

“At BNRG we are focused on building sustainable projects, ensuring dual purpose usage for land where possible. Solar is the most reliable of all the renewables, and it also has minimal impact on the land. The projects have been designed to facilitate sheep grazing and vegetation management which is positive for the farmer and ensures the grass onsite does not create shading issues for the solar farm. The local communities will also gain through the Community Benefit Fund set up to support community projects in both areas.”

“These solar farms are an important step towards achieving the Government’s target of generating 80% of electricity through renewable energy sources by 2030. While we are making strides there’s still a long way to go and we are on track to deploying a strong pipeline of solar over the coming years around Ireland.”

BNRG was involved in co-developing Ireland’s first solar farm – a 24 MW solar farm at Hortland in North-West Kildare which was energised in 2022. With a strong track record since 2007, the BNRG Group has completed 400 Megawatts of projects in Europe and the US, and the company currently has more than 4.5 Gigawatts of active projects in the development pipeline across the USA, Canada, Ireland, UK and Australia. BNRG is on track to deploying 1.2GW of solar in Ireland by 2027 representing an investment of circa €575million in Irish renewable energy infrastructure. Much of this capacity will be construction ready by end 2026 and ready to energise by 2028. That’s enough energy to supply about 279,000 homes in Ireland every year.

Solar Farm Details

Kerdiffstown Solar Farm - The Kerdiffstown based solar farm will have a capacity of 7MWp covering 7.79 hectares which is enough solar to power 1,400 homes.

Dunmurry Springs Solar Farm - Former Dunmurry Springs Golf Course will have a capacity of 21MWp, with panels covering 28 hectares, which will supply enough solar energy to power about 4,000 homes per year.

Community Benefit Fund

Kildare communities in these locations will also benefit from a collective €46,000 Community Benefit Fund available after one year of operation. This scheme aims to support sustainable community initiatives and local causes. Each year, for a minimum of 15 years, grants will be available through this local Community Fund, with value based on electricity generated through the solar farms.

The funding will be available for non-profit local community enterprises. Details about applying for grants through the Fund will be advertised locally with more information shared once the projects are completed. In other locations funding has been used for things such as energy upgrades in sports clubs and community centres, education programmes and disability access.  More information about Community Benefit Funds can be found here at www.seai.ie/community-energy/community-benefit-funds/

Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 2)

The projects were successful under the Irish Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 2) and will benefit from support from the Irish State up to 2040, as part of the government’s bid to reach Climate Action Plan green energy goals.