Planning sought for a solar farm big enough to power half of all homes in the county
Pictured are Charles Coyle, Development Project Manager, Amarenco, and Declan Cullinane, Managing Director of Amarenco. Photo: Alison Miles/OSM Photography
Irish renewable energy company Amarenco has announced plans to apply for planning permission for a solar project near Cappoquin in County Waterford. It’s anticipated the development will generate enough clean electricity from the sun to power 28,000 homes a year, representing half of all homes (51%) in the county.
The overall development extends to 100 hectares and involves seven landowners.
Amarenco says they have plans to increase the biodiversity of the site, as well as using trees and hedgerows to shield the project from homes and nearby traffic.
The company says it is committed to engaging with the local community and is hosting a public consultation event at Modeligo Community Hall on Monday, March 30, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
The company also said in a statement to the Waterford News & Star that they plan to establish a Community Benefit Fund once the project is operational. They say this will help to support community and sports projects and initiatives in the locality.
Amarenco has allocated an annual budget of approximately €240,000 for the fund for 15 years.
Declan Cullinane, Managing Director of Amarenco, said, "Ireland is heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels and is exposed to volatile international energy markets, leading to rising energy prices.
"We want to work with the local community and are encouraging them to attend our public consultation event on March 30.”
Construction is expected to start in 2028 subject to planning permission.
