Energy company CEO John Mullins welcomes solar projects but criticises site choices

John Mullins, CEO of Cork-based energy company Amarenco Solar, has welcomed Bord na Móna and ESB’s plans to build new solar power projects, but criticised their choice of four locations in counties Roscommon, Offaly and Kildare.

The joint venture will see the two semi-state companies working together to develop up to 500MW of solar energy projects in the Midlands. Bord na Móna and ESB say the four projects will generate enough energy to power 150,000 homes.

“Depleted bog lands would not be our first choice as locations for solar farms as they would present unique difficulties,” John Mullins said. “The announcement also marks the first indication that carbon-intensive peat will replaced by solar, so that we can reduce our errant emissions in Ireland.