Renewable energy producer Statkraft hits 500MW installed solar milestone

Statkraft produces over 40% of the total installed utility-scale solar in Ireland

Statkraft's Clonfad solar project in Westmeath has capability for 174MW of solar production.

Cork-based renewable energy firm Statkraft Ireland has urged the Government to prioritise increased pace of domestic renewable energy delivery in response to the global energy crisis exacerbated by Israel and the US attacks on Iran.

Statkraft Ireland announced on Monday it has hit the 500MW of installed solar in Ireland, following the successful production launch on projects in Dublin and Westmeath.

This represents just over 40% of the total installed utility-scale solar in Ireland, which stands at approximately 1.3 GW. Statkraft has energised its 174MW solar project in Westmeath, as well as a 32MW project at Irishtown on the outskirts of Dublin.

EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, said that 48% of electricity came from renewable sources in February, and Statkraft Ireland managing director Kevin O’Donovan says increasing this is now even more important.“With the current geopolitical challenges, we are seeing an ever-increasing need to deliver renewables to ensure safe and secure, domestic energy supplies,” he said.

“The energisation of Clonfad and Irishtown means we have now installed 560MW of solar energy, all contributing to our electricity grid. This represents a positive step in a very turbulent time.” 

Statkraft is headquartered in Norway and employs 6,500 people in more than 20 countries, across hydropower, wind power, solar power, and gas-fired power production. Its Irish headquarters are at Cork Airport Business Park.

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan targets is for 8GW of solar power by 2030, with utility scale production a key contributor. Solar Ireland CEO Ronan Power said policy, investment, and planning frameworks must continue to support the rapid deployment of solar and renewables across the country.

“Large projects like Clonfad and Irishtown are helping bring more clean, home-grown electricity onto the grid at a time when energy security and affordability are key priorities,” said Mr Power.

Statkraft chief O’Donovan said that renewable energy sources can bring increased stable sources of energy to Irish consumers, and “stable energy source means stable prices”.