Tag: #solar

Ørsted starts construction on second Irish Solar Farm

Ørsted has begun construction on its second Irish solar farm in Ballinrea, located between Carrigaline and Cork City.

Once completed, the 55MW solar project will have the potential to generate enough electricity to power 16,000 homes.

Awarded a RESS 4 contract in September 2024, it’s expected the solar farm will be fully operational in 2026. Ballinrea marks Ørsted’s second solar project to take off in Ireland – following the 81 MW first phase of Garreenleen Solar Farm in Co. Carlow, on which construction began in June last year.

In solar, Ørsted’s current pipeline stands at over 700 MW, supporting the Irish Government’s 8 GW solar energy target by 2030. The investment in Ballinrea is the twenty first advanced or operational onshore wind and solar project in Ireland, powering the equivalent of 250,000 homes nationwide.

Commenting on the news, TJ Hunter, Vice President Onshore in UK & Ireland at Ørsted, said: “I am delighted to confirm that we’ve begun construction on our second Irish solar farm in Ballinrea. If we are to ultimately achieve a green energy future in Ireland, solar is a fundamental piece of the jigsaw. We have a strong solar pipeline currently at over 700 MW and we will continue to look at opportunities for solar projects in Ireland to help the government achieve its target of 8 GW of solar energy target 2030”.

“2024 marked Ørsted’s biggest ever construction year with 1.5 GW of onshore renewables and 6.7 GW of offshore wind currently in construction across the globe. While challenges remain, we are confident we are going in the right direction to create an energy system run on clean, reliable and renewable power”. 

Ørsted has also bolstered its presence in Ireland, relocating to a brand-new office space on Albert Quay, Cork. The high-specification office is Ørsted’s onshore headquarters for Europe employing over 100 people, with the ambition of growing that number. Ørsted’s investment in Ireland has reached €800 million, across a mixed portfolio of wind and solar projects. 

SolarSmart Wins Irish SFA Award for Transforming Solar Energy Accessibility & Powering Ireland’s Path to 1 Million Solar Rooftops.

SolarSmart Energy Ltd, Ireland’s only female-owned domestic and commercial solar company, has been awarded the Irish Small Firms Association (SFA) Services Award. This national recognition underscores SolarSmart’s impact in making solar power more accessible and financially viable for Irish homeowners, businesses, and farmers.

Empowering Solar Adoption in Ireland
Founded by Morgan Pierce in 2020, SolarSmart has rapidly become a leader in Ireland’s renewable energy sector. The company has installed over 1,200 solar PV systems, contributing nearly 7 Megawatts annually toward Ireland’s climate action goals. SolarSmart’s customer-centric approach, including up-front SEAI grants and hassle-free financing, has removed traditional barriers to solar adoption, making it easier and more affordable to transition to renewable energy.

“Winning this award is a huge honour and a reflection of our team’s dedication to delivering top-tier solar solutions with customer service at the core,” said Morgan Pierce, Founder and CEO of SolarSmart. “Our mission is to ensure that solar power is not just an environmental choice but also a financially smart one for every Irish household and business.”

Powering Ireland’s Electricity Demand & Driving a Renewable Future
Ireland’s electricity demand is set to rise by 45% over the next decade, fueled by increasing consumption from data centers, electric vehicles, and heat pumps. This growing energy demand underscores the urgent need for scalable, sustainable solutions.

At the same time, with a target of 1 million solar rooftops by 2030, equating to 2.5 gigawatts of capacity or 22% of all residential electricity demand, Ireland is currently far behind. Estimates suggest that only 100,000 homes have installed solar, leaving 900,000 more to be equipped in the next five years.

SolarSmart is leading the charge in closing this gap. By prioritising affordability, customer service, and sustainability, the company is enabling the transition to solar with ease. Committed to accelerating Ireland’s renewable future, SolarSmart aims to install 5,000 solar systems annually, ensuring that the country stays on track to meet its energy and climate commitments.

SolarSmart’s growth trajectory has been exceptional, more than doubling installations each year. Key business driver milestones include:

Up-Front SEAI Grant Processing: SolarSmart became one of the first solar companies in Ireland to credit the SEAI grant to customers immediately, eliminating the financial strain of waiting for reimbursements.
New Low-Interest Financing Option: Launched in partnership with Finance Ireland, allowing homeowners to install solar panels for a lower monthly cost than their expected energy savings.

The Team & 4-Day Workweek for Installation Group: A first in the Irish solar industry, ensuring work-life balance for staff who often travel long hours for installations. This initiative has resulted in zero employee attrition in 2024, a remarkable achievement in a sector struggling with workforce retention.

Customer-First Approach: With 86% of support tickets resolved within one business day and a 1-hour response time, SolarSmart sets the standard for aftercare in the solar industry.

About SolarSmart
A leading provider of photovoltaic (PV) solutions for homes, businesses, and farms across Ireland. Founded in 2020, the company has installed over 1,200 systems to date, contributing to Ireland’s renewable energy transition. SolarSmart offers innovative financing solutions and industry-leading customer service to make solar energy more accessible and cost-effective.

For more information, visit https://solarsmart.ie

Other solar power news

Power Capital Renewable Energy, in partnership with AIB, Bank of Ireland and Societe Generale, has successfully completed a project finance round to develop approximately 300MW of solar farms across Ireland

Power Capital Renewable Energy, in partnership with AIB, Bank of Ireland and Societe Generale, has successfully completed a project finance round to develop approximately 300MW of solar farms across Ireland.

This agreement secures facilities of nearly €220M to support the development of seven projects ranging in size from 6.5MW to 153MW.

The combined production of this portfolio will generate enough electricity to power over 70,000 homes per year.

All projects were awarded a tariff under the Department of Environment, Climate & Communication’s second Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS 2) in 2022.

Projects have commenced construction and are set to be completed and operational in 2026, contributing significantly to the government’s goal of generating 80% of Ireland’s energy from renewable sources by 2030.

As part of the RESS 2 scheme, local communities will benefit from a contribution of €2 per MWh throughout the duration of the program.

Power Capital already has 230MW of fully operational projects since 2024 and continues to expand its portfolio, with an additional 400MW secured under the RESS 3 and RESS 4 schemes.

Power Capital: Justin Brown CEO says: “We have dedicated nearly 12 months to this transaction, encompassing seven solar projects across multiple counties and collaborating with various construction and finance teams to achieve a successful outcome. This is an outstanding achievement for Power Capital, our team and everyone involved. We are very excited to build on this success and advance our RESS 3 & 4 portfolio later this year.”

 AIB: Jim Arigho Director, Climate Capital says: “The rollout of utility scale solar energy generation is a vital component in Ireland meeting its Climate Action targets and complements wind energy generation.  This financing is a milestone on that journey and AIB is delighted to work with the Power Capital team again in helping Ireland make the transition to a more sustainable future.”

 Bank of Ireland: Michael Lauhoff, Head of Specialist Banking, Corporate & Commercial commented:  “Bank of Ireland is delighted to support Power Capital in reaching this important milestone. The debt package will finance the delivery of a scaled and diversified portfolio of solar assets which will directly contribute to decarbonising Irish energy. As a long-term financier of Irish renewables, the provision of capital to the sustainable energy market is a key strategic ambition for Bank of Ireland and we are proud to be part of these exciting projects.”

 Societe Generale said: “Societe Generale is delighted to support the development of Power Capital, one of the leading Irish renewables developers, and have worked alongside Power Capital, AIB, and Band of Ireland since the start to bring the financing to a successful close. The portfolio of solar farms could contribute towards Ireland’s 2030 renewable generation targets and the development of renewable assets in the country.”

The Technology Behind Solar Batteries

As the world continues to grapple with the pressing challenges of climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels, the need for more sustainable energy solutions has never been more apparent. Among these, solar energy stands out as one of the most abundant and accessible resources available. However, the intermittent nature of solar power—dependent on the availability of sunlight—poses a significant challenge for its widespread adoption. This is where solar batteries come into play, acting as a crucial bridge between energy generation and consumption.

Solar batteries like you see on Midland Batteries, enable homeowners and businesses to store excess energy generated during sunny days for use during periods of low sunlight or high demand. And in recent years, technological advancements in solar batteries have transformed them from simple storage solutions into sophisticated systems that optimise energy usage, improve efficiency, and integrate seamlessly with smart home technologies and grid systems.

In this article, we will examine the technologies behind solar batteries, their working principles, and the cutting-edge features that boost their efficiency and performance.

Key Technologies in Solar Batteries

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are currently the most widely used technology in residential solar energy storage. Their popularity can be attributed to several key advantages. 

Firstly, they boast a high energy density, which means that they can store a large amount of energy relative to their size, making them ideal for home installations where space may be limited. 

Secondly, these batteries have a long cycle life. With proper management, lithium-ion batteries can last between 10 to 15 years, providing reliable service throughout their lifecycle. 

What’s more, these batteries offer remarkable efficiency, with charge and discharge rates exceeding 95%, ensuring minimal energy loss.

Recent innovations in lithium-ion technology include improvements in battery chemistry that reduce reliance on cobal. This material has been associated with ethical and environmental concerns. Researchers are exploring alternatives such as lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), which offers enhanced safety and longevity.

However, as popular as Li-ion batteries are, they do come with a number of downsides. One of the biggest concerns is thermal runaway. This is a condition where excessive heat leads to potential fire risks. To address this, researchers are developing advanced cooling systems and incorporating fire-resistant materials to improve safety and reliability.

Solid-State Batteries

The introduction of solid-state batteries is poised to redefine the solar energy systems landscape in a major way. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid/gel electrolytes, solid-state batteries utilise solid electrolytes. This change offers several key benefits that are worth exploring. 

One of the most notable advantages is increased safety. Due to the absence of flammable liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries are less likely to catch fire or explode as a result of thermal runaway. This makes them a much safer option for residential applications. 

Additionally, these batteries can offer higher energy density, allowing for greater energy storage capacity within a smaller volume compared to their liquid electrolyte counterparts. This is particularly beneficial in space-constrained environments. 

Also, solid-state technology has the potential for longer life cycles due to reduced wear on internal components. While solid-state batteries are still largely in the research and development phase, several companies are working towards commercial viability. Once realised, they could revolutionise solar storage solutions.

Flow Batteries

Flow battery systems offer a unique approach to solar energy storage. Unlike traditional batteries, these new systems use liquid electrolytes that are stored in external tanks. Energy is generated through a chemical reaction that occurs when these liquids flow through a cell.

This technology allows for easy scalability by increasing tank size without altering the core system design. The level of scalability offered makes flow batteries ideal for commercial installations where large amounts of energy need to be stored and dispatched efficiently. 

Additionally, flow batteries can provide power over extended periods due to their long discharge times, making them excellent for balancing supply and demand on the grid. 

Their durability is another advantage; flow batteries have long cycle lives and can endure thousands of charge/discharge cycles without significant degradation.

Sodium-Sulfur Batteries

Sodium-sulfur (NaS) batteries are another promising technology in solar energy storage, particularly for large-scale applications. These batteries operate at high temperatures, typically between 300°C and 350°C, which allows the sodium and sulfur components to remain in a molten state and facilitate efficient energy storage. Known for their high energy density and long cycle life, sodium-sulfur batteries can store and discharge large amounts of energy, making them suitable for industrial-scale solar farms and grid storage systems.

Sodium-sulfur batteries are also attractive due to their use of abundant and inexpensive materials, contributing to lower production costs compared to some other advanced battery technologies. Additionally, they are capable of sustaining numerous charge and discharge cycles without significant degradation, which enhances their longevity. 

However, the high operating temperatures required for sodium-sulfur batteries present challenges in terms of energy consumption and safety. Proper thermal insulation and monitoring systems are necessary to maintain their temperature and prevent potential hazards.

Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries, one of the oldest energy storage technologies, continue to play a role in solar energy systems, particularly in off-grid applications. They are known for their affordability and reliability, making them a popular choice in areas where advanced technologies may be inaccessible. they were traditionally used for lighting. 

Lead-acid batteries have proven their dependability over decades of use. However, they do come with limitations, including lower efficiency, shorter lifespans, and a need for regular maintenance. These factors make them less suited for high-performance or large-scale systems. Despite these drawbacks, lead-acid batteries remain a cost-effective solution for smaller-scale solar setups and regions with limited resources.

New Technologies Improving the Performance of Solar Battery Systems

– Artificial Intelligence Integration

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into solar battery systems is revolutionising how we manage energy storage. AI algorithms can analyse consumption patterns and predict future energy needs based on historical data and real-time inputs. This capability allows for optimised battery usage tailored to user requirements while enhancing overall system efficiency.

Additionally, AI facilitates seamless communication between solar battery systems and smart grids by enabling dynamic adjustments based on real-time data inputs from both sources.

– Advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS)

Battery Management Systems play a crucial role in optimising solar battery performance. They monitor parameters such as voltage, temperature, and state of charge to ensure safe and efficient operation. Modern BMS solutions allow for real-time monitoring of battery performance through mobile apps or web interfaces, enabling users to track their systems easily.

Additionally, advanced BMS can analyse historical data to predict maintenance needs or potential failures before they occur. This helps to reduce downtime and maintenance costs. These systems also optimise charging cycles by adjusting rates based on external factors like temperature or load demands.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Garden Lovers

As Christmas is creeping near, finding the ideal gift for garden lovers can be a bit frustrating. But we are here to help you turn your frown upside down with our blog on the best presents for your garden loving family or friend. From the known green thumbs to newcomers, these present ideas will have them eager to dig their hands in the soil.

Smart Plant Sensor

A smart plant sensor is an amazing gadget for the modern gardener who values technology and gardening together. These intelligent devices monitor key plant health metrics such as soil moisture, temperature and light exposure before providing real-time updates through a smartphone app. They will be able to tend to their plants with precision and care from home or while on the move. Not only can smart plant sensors ensure optimal growing conditions but they also offer invaluable insights that help even beginner gardeners learn and grow with gardening. 

Solar-Powered Outdoor Speaker

Garden lovers who appreciate music while tending to their plants will be over the moon for this eco-friendly gift idea. These solar-powered speakers use the sun’s power to deliver high-quality sound without needing wires or constant recharges. Simply place it in a sunny spot in your garden, and it will provide hours of entertainment from soothing tunes to energizing playlists. Not only can solar-powered outdoor speakers offer an eco-friendly way of listening to music outdoors, but many models also include Bluetooth capabilities for easy connectivity with smartphones or other devices. 

Hedge Trimmers 

Gardeners who take great pride in keeping their space looking its best know that having an efficient hedge trimmer on hand is an important tool. Ticking the boxes of both precision and power, this tool enables gardeners to effortlessly shape hedges, shrubs and bushes as needed or when the urge to imbody Edward Scissorhands take hold of them. Modern hedge trimmers feature ergonomic designs and lightweight builds to minimize fatigue while making even complex trimming tasks a breeze. These tools feature adjustable cutting lengths and cordless options for maximum mobility, making them suited to both professional landscapers and dedicated home gardeners. Perfect for prettifying your trimming or healthy plant growth, a high-quality hedge trimmer makes an great addition to any gardener’s toolbox.

Home Composting Systems

A home composting system makes an excellent gift for eco-conscious gardeners looking to reduce waste while enriching the soil. Composting is a natural process that transforms kitchen waste and garden debris into nutrient-rich soil fertilizer that promotes plant growth. Modern composting systems are tailored to fit seamlessly into any home or garden, offering options such as compact bins for urban dwellers or larger tumbling systems for those with more space. These systems are easy to use, promoting sustainability by reducing landfill waste and fertilizing gardens without using synthetic fertilizers. An investment in sustainability, home composting systems make great gifts that promote living a greener lifestyle, not to mention helping create healthier planets.

Personalized Gardening Gloves

Personalized gardening gloves make a wonderful present that combines practicality and a touch of personality. Gardeners rely on protective gardening gloves to shield their hands from thorns, dirt and the elements while remaining comfortable for optimal dexterity. Personalized gloves gives the opportunity for you to add your own personal stamp. By adding personalization like a name, monogram, or design of your choice to the gardening gloves, they become chic accessories that reflect personal style or hold sentimental value for any gardener. Available in materials ranging from durable leather to breathable cotton to have you covered for all gardening tasks and jobs imaginable. 

Vertical Planters

Wrapping up a few vertical planters as a Christmas gift, will give your garden lover an innovative solution to maximize space, especially in urban settings or smaller yards. Vertical planters allow for increased plant density within limited spaces, making them perfect for balconies, patios or indoor gardens. Vertical planters come in various designs, from wall-mounted pockets and tiered stands to freestanding towers, offering versatility to suit whatever aesthetic preferences and space limitations they might have. Their efficient drainage allows for efficient watering access for healthy plant growth while their versatile storage capabilities allow them to house herbs, flowers, vegetables and succulents. Vertical planters make an effective and stylish addition that can turn any small area into lush garden space.

DIY Bonsai Kits

DIY bonsai kits provide enthusiasts of all skill levels the chance to grow and shape miniature trees themselves, bringing the ancient art of bonsai into their own homes. These kits typically include everything necessary to get started, such as seeds or saplings, specialty soil and bonsai pot. Important tools such as pruning shears and wire for styling the tree are also often included. DIY bonsai kits provide gardeners with comprehensive instructions to guide them through the intricate process of nurturing and shaping a bonsai tree, providing both an educational experience as well as creative satisfaction. Bonsai trees can make an elegant and tranquil addition to areas with limited space, be they indoors or on small balconies. Not only are bonsai cultivation activities rewarding hobbies, engaging in this practice cultivates patience, mindfulness, and an appreciation of nature’s many forms.

Plant-Themed Mugs

Plant-themed mugs is a fantastic Christmas gift idea if you are looking for a stocking stuffer or buying on a tight budget. These mugs make an elegant addition to any plant lover’s collection, squishing their joys of gardening with everyday routines like sipping coffee or tea. Often featuring beautiful botanical illustrations, vibrant plant motifs or whimsical garden-related puns. Made out of from materials like ceramic or glass, plant themed mugs serve both functionality and decoration. They can use it for beverages like coffee and tea or as unique planters for succulents and small houseplants, making thoughtful gifts for those who appreciate nature’s beauties.

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal Christmas present for gardeners can be as rewarding as planting seeds that blossom into vibrant fowers. Our small but mighty selection of thoughtful, practical, and whimsy present ideas is sure to bring some green joy this holiday season. Remember that true gifts come from the heart, so when selecting something related to their passion, you won’t just be giving something but actually growing their love of gardening. So get out there this holiday season and spread a bit of green joy through thoughtful gift-giving.

A Dive into the Technology Used in Solar PV

In a world where the consequences of climate change are increasingly apparent, the push to reduce greenhouse gases, mainly by burning fossil fuels, is in full swing. Investment in green energy, such as solar energy, is increasing with each passing year, and for good reasons.

Switching to green solar energy is now economically feasible. While there has always been an abundance of solar energy to tap into, the technology to harness ample solar energy for typical household or commercial use cases was cost-prohibitive. 

It’s estimated that the amount of sunlight that hits the earth’s surface in just one hour and a half is enough to meet the world’s full-year energy consumption. On average, 342 watts of solar energy hit every square meter of earth yearly (https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/135642main_balance_trifold21.pdf). This is a huge amount of energy, which, if tapped into by using solar PV, can make a significant difference in reducing carbon emissions. Recently, harnessing solar energy to generate electricity has become a viable option.

Solar PV technology such as pvgeneration.ie used in harnessing solar energy has improved tremendously in the past decade, improving the efficiency of commercially available solar panels. With increased efficiency, typical solar panels can generate more electricity and meet our needs, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Let’s dive into the solar PV technology that’s making harnessing solar energy possible.

Solar Photovoltaic Technology: How PV Cells Convert Sunlight into Electricity

A photovoltaic cell is a non-mechanical device that converts sunlight to electricity. Every PV cell is made of a semiconductor material. Semiconductor materials conduct electricity better than insulators but not as well as conductors, such as metals, can. When sunlight strikes PV cells, the photons can provide enough energy to dislodge negatively charged particles called electrons.

The dislodged electrons also attain energy to flow through the material, creating an electrical current that can be harvested to power electrical appliances. The front of the PV cells are treated to attract the dislodged electron or current of electricity. With the electrons moving to the surface of the PV cell, an electrical imbalance between the front and the back surfaces of the PV cell is created, thereby creating a voltage potential that allows the current to flow.

The vast majority of PV cells are made using silicone semiconductor material. The abundance of material and the longevity of silicon-based PV cells makes it commercially viable to produce silicon PV cells.

Every PV cell can produce as much as 1 to 2 watts, which is insufficient to power household or commercial appliances. However, when the cells are connected in a package to form a panel, they produce usable electricity. Typically, solar panels are connected to create an array, further enhancing the electricity-generating potential of the PV cells.

Once the electron reaches the surface of the PV cells, the current is extracted through a conductive metal and transferred to external loads – appliances that use electricity or storage batteries. 

PV cells generate direct current (DC) electricity. You can charge storage batteries directly with DC electricity. However, nearly all devices use alternating current electricity. As such, homeowners and businesses that invest in solar panels must also invest in an inverter, which converts the DC electricity that PV cells generate to AC command devices.

PV Efficiency 

One of the most essential measurement metrics for solar PVs is their efficiency. Understanding what happens to sunlight when it hits the PV cells is important to understand PV efficiency. When solar radiation hits the PV cell, it can either be reflected by the cell, pass through it, or be absorbed by it. The absorbed sunlight is the proportion of sunlight that generates electricity. As such, PV cell efficiency is the measure of the amount of electrical power generated by a PV cell compared to the energy of sunlight that hits the cells. 

The efficiency of PV cells depends on the intensity of solar radiation and the wavelengths of light the PV cell can utilise to generate electricity. The semiconductor bandgap indicates the wavelength of light the materials can absorb and use to dislodge electrons to generate electricity. As such, the efficiency of a solar PV cell depends on the bandgap matching with the wavelength of the light. 

Commercially available PV cells from companies such as NFC Energy in Meath typically have an efficiency of 15% to 25%. However, niche PV cells such as those used in satellites and experimental cells can achieve about 50% efficiency.

Other Types of Solar Cell Technology 

While the solar PV industry is dominated by silicon solar cells, there is an array of other types of solar cells. They include:

#1: Thin-Film Solar Cells – Thin-cell PV cells are made using a micrometre thick layer of semiconductor materials such as copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) or cadmium telluride (CdTe). Consequently, these PV cells are flexible and lightweight, which makes them ideal for portable applications. Thin cell PVs are also easier to manufacture than traditional silicon-based PV cells. 

#2: III-IV Solar Cells – The III-IV Solar PV Cells can be considered the most advanced currently available PV cells. They are named after the group of elements they are made of – that is, Group III materials such as indium and gallium and Group V elements such as antimony and arsenic. These types of solar cells are more challenging to manufacture and, therefore, more expensive. As such, they are typically used in high-tech environments where high power-to-weight ratios are essential, and their high cost is not a prohibiting factor, such as satellites and high endurance UAVs.

Additionally, research is ongoing to develop new types of solar cells that are cheaper and easier to produce while retaining high levels of efficiency (or even improving efficiency). Various national laboratories and private organisations are pursuing new PV technologies such as quantum dot PV cells, concentration PVs, multijunction PV cells, PV cells made of organic materials, and PV cells made of hybrid organic-inorganic materials (such as Perovskite Photovoltaics, which are a type of thin-film PV cells).

 

Guerbet Launch Solar Project to Power 18% of Pharmaceutical Operations in Dublin

Guerbet, a pioneer global pharmaceutical company specializing in medical imaging and contrast agents, has launched its first solar farm at its API manufacturing site in Dublin, coinciding with the celebration of its 30th year in operation.

2.4MW solar farm will meet 18% of the company’s total electricity requirements:

Guerbet entered a contract with Enerpower powered by Greenvolt, a leading renewable energy company, for the construction of a 2.4MW solar farm at the Guerbet site in Damastown in 2022.

The two companies entered into a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement where Guerbet has guaranteed to purchase the solar PV electrical power for a period of 20 years. The solar farm is constructed on land owned by Guerbet and will provide the equivalent to the electricity consumption of 500 households.

The project will deliver 18% of the site’s electrical power on an annualised basis, and during the peak summer months could potentially power the plant without addition of electricity from the grid during daylight hours.

The initiative aligns with Guerbet’s strategy and its People and Planet Corporate Social Responsibility positioning for reducing carbon footprint as it looks forward to the next 30 years.

David Hale, CEO of Guerbet Group indicates: “At Guerbet, our purpose is ‘Building lasting relationships that enable people to live better’, and preserving our planet is a foundational part of that purpose.  In 2023, we made a commitment validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to reduce our carbon emissions by 27,5% for Scope 1+2 and 13,5% for Scope 3 by 2032. Our partnership with Enerpower is a great example of a relationship that will help us achieve those objectives.”

David Forde, Site Lead at Guerbet Dublin said: “Guerbet has a long history of innovation, growth, and service in the pharmaceutical industry. This new Corporate Power Purchase Agreement will produce renewable electricity for our API manufacturing site in Damastown and is a significant development in our long-term strategy to significantly reduce carbon emissions at the site. Guerbet joined the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) which encourages ambitious climate action in the private sector by allowing companies to set science-based emission reduction targets. This is a further step on that journey.”

It also comes as the company celebrates 30-years of operation in Ireland. Over the past three decades, Guerbet has continuously strived for excellence, delivering cutting-edge medical imaging solutions and contrast agents to healthcare professionals worldwide, as well as offering highly skilled employment in the area.”

John Carty, CCO of Enerpower powered by Greenvolt stated, “We are delighted to partner with Guerbet on their first solar energy project. Similarly to Guerbet’s ethos we too endeavour to build lasting relationships with our customers and are delighted to add Guerbet to our list of clients using solar energy in Ireland.”

Guerbet marks 30 years of operation in Ireland, employing over 130 skilled workers

The site in Dublin began production in 1994 and currently boasts a workforce of over 130 skilled professionals at the Damastown location. This local presence contributes to the company’s global footprint, which spans across the 5 continents with 2,830 employees worldwide.

Guerbet develops and manufacture contrast media, which are instrumental in improving the visibility of internal organs, blood vessels, and tissues during medical imaging procedures.

Every second, somewhere in the world a patient undergoes an imaging procedure with a Guerbet product. More than 60,000 health professionals rely on the contrast agents to diagnose disease and assess treatment efficacy.

Ørsted takes final investment decision on its first Irish solar farm

Ørsted has taken final investment decision (FID) on phase one of Garreenleen Solar Farm, which marks the company’s first solar investment in Ireland.   

Located 15 km outside of Carlow town, this 81 MW solar development is expected to be operational by 2026 and will bring Ørsted’s operational capacity on the island of Ireland to almost 500 MW.    

 Today’s FID follows the project’s successful win under the Irish Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme 3 (RESS 3) auction in September 2023. RESS 3 was a successful auction for Ørsted, with two projects (wind and solar) totalling 124 MW clearing. The RESS 3 auction average strike price was EUR 100.47 per MWh, which is consistent with similar regimes in other European markets.   

 Commenting on the investment decision, Kieran White, Senior Vice President of Onshore in Region Europe at Ørsted, said:  

“Solar energy is an essential component for enabling the Irish power system to run entirely on green energy, and I’m delighted to confirm that Ørsted now will invest in our first Irish solar farm.“ 

 He continued: “While this will be our first solar project in Ireland, our strong pipeline of other projects, which continue to progress through consenting and grid access, gives us the confidence that more will follow.”  

“Garreenleen is an attractive solar project because it has a short grid route to a strong meshed node in the existing national electricity network, in an area of the grid where constraints are forecast to be low. With this investment decision, the project will also install the necessary grid infrastructure to facilitate the connection of a second phase of the project, which we hope to commit to within the next year,” he concluded. 

Failure to facilitate hybrid connections creating needless barrier to renewables in Ireland

Ireland’s failure to implement policies that facilitate so-called hybrid connections places unnecessary costs and delays on renewable providers. This warning comes from the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) who want new policies to be expedited so they are implemented as soon as possible to help achieve the ambitious targets of the latest Climate Action Plan.

A hybrid connection is where more than one source of energy or storage is connected to the national grid on a single site. These are currently not permitted in Ireland, meaning that in sites where solar and storage or solar and wind are present together, there is a need for two separate connections. Each grid connection requires the construction of physical infrastructure with the associated costs, planning requirements and time.

While consultations are taking place in regard to increasing the over install limit of connection capacities and an additional consultation is expected to take place in regards to multiple legal entities behind connection points, there is a third, and more important topic, the dynamic sharing of MECs, that needs to be addressed urgently if we are to capitalise on the benefits of updating these policies for consumers and renewable providers.

Speaking about the need for new policies in this area ISEA CEO Conall Bolger said “We have been talking about hybrid sites for nearly a decade, with no output evident aside from on-going consultation processes. We have examples of locations that have two buildings side by side performing duplicate functions. This is extremely wasteful, increases the cost to energy providers and ultimately to consumers.

“There has been a general recognition amongst policymakers that change is required for several years.” But according to Bolger there has been very little action. “The 2019 Climate Action Plan committed to putting the right policies in place by Q3 2020. The latest iteration of Climate Action Plan now makes that same commitment but for Q4 2023. Despite an unexplained 39-month delay, the industry isn’t overly confident that we will see much movement this year.”

ISEA now want the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to make a decision. “It feels as if the regulator isn’t focused on the big picture in relation to what needs to be done to expedite the updating of these dated policies with their lack of attention on the dynamic sharing of the maximum export capacity (MEC) by technologies behind the same connection an example of this. If adopted, this will allow for greater flexibility and variety in what can be achieved at hybrid connection points. We need to radically accelerate our deployment of renewables and hybrid connections will help keep costs for consumers lower and ensure faster implementation.

“If we were to place a solar farm on every renewable site already connected to the grid, we could ramp up our delivery of green power while minimising the construction of new network. Everyone knows what is required, so let us put that in place now, and not wait until the end of the year.”

Concluding Conall Bolger, CEO of ISEA said “We are in a climate crisis, everyone agrees that renewables are one of the most important solutions. We need the triumvirate of solar, storage and wind working together to combat Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels. Allowing hybrid connections facilitates this in an efficient manner.”