Coillte to instigate search for solar energy partner

Coillte, the State-owned forestry body, is targeting an expansion into the solar energy market and is likely to begin seeking a development partner imminently.

It is believed Coillte may open a tender process for a solar partner by tomorrow. An effective moth-balling of plans to build €15bn worth of wind farms across the midland counties to position Ireland as a renewable energy exporter to Britain has seen numerous industry players turn their attention to solar energy projects.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Bord na Mona plans to get involved in solar energy by providing land to Lightsource Renewable Energy — the largest solar energy firm in the UK — which is aiming to spend €500m on building solar farms in the midlands.