Solar firm looking for sites

The largest solar energy firm in the UK — Lightsource Renewable Energy — has begun engaging with businesses, schools and local communities in a bid to find potential sites to build solar farms here.

The move forms the first element of the company’s planned expansion into Ireland, where it is reportedly looking to spend around £500m (€710m) on building a portfolio of solar farms.

“We are excited by the opportunity for solar power in Ireland. Lightsource is committing significant financial investment and resource towards realising this opportunity. Any risks associated with the development of these solar projects, including installation costs, will be borne by Lightsource.

“This commitment will not only add to sustainable electricity generation in Ireland, it will also strengthen the local economy and supply chain,” said Lightsource’s Antrim-born chief executive, Nick Boyle yesterday.

“Our ground-mounted solar projects will provide much-needed land diversification for farming enterprises, and our rooftop systems will enable schools, businesses and community buildings to reduce overhead costs. It really is a win-win for local communities,” he added.

Mr Boyle yesterday downplayed talk of a £500m investment in Ireland, but said given that Ireland could be a 1-1.5 gigawatt solar market — and that his company wants to be the dominant player here — a significant investment could be made.

He also poured cold water on reports that Lightsource had been talking to Bord na Mona over use of parts of the latter’s landbank; by claiming only that his firm would be interested in talking to entities with large amounts of land.

The likes of State forestry body, Coillte and energy-focused utility, Bord na Mona both have long-term ambitions in the solar power market — the latter recently saying it plans to build a pilot solar energy farm at is existing Mount Lucas wind farm development in Co Offaly.

Lightsource is not planning any test sites and could be in a position to run its first solar farm, here, in 2016.

By 2030, 27% of Ireland’s energy will need to come from renewable sources, with the Government likely to view solar as part provider. Mr Boyle said it would be a “stretch to understand” if solar wasn’t part of the energy mix, given operation costs having decreased in recent times.

Over the coming months, the EU will announce new renewable energy targets for member states.