Friday, 8 October 2021
Strategic Power Projects, a leading renewables developer, has received approval from Offaly County Council planning authorities to develop a 160MW combined solar and battery storage project in Rhode.
The 380 acre site will benefit from advanced biodiversity improvements designed to create habitats that support local wildlife and some of the country’s at-risk species.
The project, which is a 110MW solar and co-located 50MW battery scheme was granted approval by Offaly County Council in October 2021.
Paul Carson, Strategic Power Projects, Managing Director, commented: “We are extremely pleased with the outcome in Rhode and are dedicated to working closely with land-owners and local communities to ensure transparency of our long-term approach and generate a thorough understanding of what these solar and battery assets will achieve for a brighter and cleaner future in Ireland.”
“Successfully securing planning approval is a testament to the collaboration between our team and the parties we work closely with in unlocking the potential of the site.
“Solar power has a vital role to play if we are to achieve Ireland’s target of 70% renewable electricty by 2030. The solar farm in Rhode will not only advance this commitment but support the local authority in reaching its own goal of becoming carbon neutral.
An application was made to Eirgrid in September for a grid connection offer which is expected in the coming months.
Most recently, Strategic Power Projects have announced their partnership with Gresham House, a specialist alternative asset manager, to deliver renewable energy into new build solar and battery storage assets throughout Ireland.
The partnership is expected to have a combined capacity of well over 1GW across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with site locations secured close to major electricity grid infrastructure hubs.