At a Glance
- Total size of project 102 hectares
- 80.5MWp energy capacity
- Displace up to 30,950 tonnes of carbon
- Dedicated Community Benefit Fund
- Fixed south-facing frames
- Maximum height of 3 metres above ground level
South Meath Solar is Statkraft’s second major solar project in Ireland. Located near Blundelstown, South Meath Solar is a 80.5MWp project that will have the capacity to provide a significant amount of clean, green electricity to our national grid at a time when it’s needed the most. The solar project was Statkraft’s fourth renewable energy project to go into construction since 2021. It is being developed, funded, and built by Statkraft, who will also be managing the operational aspects of the solar farm once constructed.
The sustainability of the project is an important aspect of its development. A comprehensive Biodiversity Management Plan was submitted with the consent planning application, which includes installing bird and bat boxes, sowing species-rich grassland, sowing wildflower meadows, as well as other measures. Native hedgerow, tree planting and bunding banks will also improve screening from the surrounding areas.
South Meath Solar Project not only has the capacity to deliver climate action, but also to bring very real and tangible benefits to the local area. The project was granted planning permission in 2018 and was bought by Statkraft from Lightsource in 2020.
At Statkraft, we are very much aware of the importance of having a mix of renewable technologies to deliver climate action. We build and operate both solar projects and wind farms, and in every project we develop, thoughtful consideration is given to what is appropriate for a local area.
Timeline
Construction works began on site at the end of 2021, and the project is expected to be fully operational in Q3 2023.
