ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 67 Ireland is making remarkable progress on renewable electricity Minister for Climate, Energy, and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has recently highlighted the continued, remarkable growth being made in the deployment of solar energy across Ireland, and its contribution to a secure, sustainable, and affordable energy future for generations to come. Speaking following the Solar Ireland conference in Dublin, the Minister said that Ireland is seeing the benefits of sustained action to accelerate renewable electricity generation. Solar deployment is expanding at pace, alongside significant progress in wind energy. I n dI nuds ut rsyt rNy eNwesw s ർSolar is now the third highest supplier of indigenously generated electricity to the national grid. ർSolar is now a key pillar of our electricity supply, from rooftop installations to utility-scale solar farms. ർJust over 10 years ago there were 2 MW (Mega Watts) of solar in Ireland. Now there are over 2.5 GW (Giga Watts) Solar Ireland also published its ‘Scale of Solar’ report in June, which underlines the solar sector’s growing role in strengthening energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and attracting investment across the country. The Government has introduced a range of measures to support solar deployment, including the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), and the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). These schemes are helping households, businesses, farms, and communities to participate in Ireland’s renewable electricity transition. Mr O'Brien said “The increasing affordability challenges – arising out of recent global events – underline the importance of continuing and accelerating the energy transition. Every megawatt of renewable electricity added to our system helps reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels. A diversified renewable electricity mix helps ensure a more stable and reliable electricity supply. Wind and solar complement each other by generating electricity at different times, under different weather conditions.” Clonfad Solar Farm Completed The completion of the Clonfad Solar Farm marks a significant milestone in Ireland’s transition towards a low-carbon energy future. With 300,000 solar panels now installed and fully operational, the project will make a substantial contribution to the country's renewable energy capacity while supporting national net-zero emissions targets. The successful delivery of the development reflects the growing scale and importance of utility-scale solar projects within Ireland’s evolving energy landscape. Suir Engineering played a key role in bringing the project from construction to commissioning, delivering a comprehensive electrical and infrastructure package across the site. The scope of works included the installation of the 33 kV collector circuit, AC lowvoltage cabling from inverters to substations, installation of inverters and associated electrical infrastructure, as well as the completion of fibre optic communications networks, CCTV systems and auxiliary power installations. The company also undertook the installation, termination and testing of all solar panel DC cabling throughout the facility. In addition to its extensive electrical works, Suir Engineering delivered full testing and commissioning of the solar farm, weather station installations, site-wide fencing and Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS) responsibilities. The completion of Clonfad Solar Farm demonstrates the expertise required to deliver large-scale renewable energy projects and highlights the critical role that engineering contractors continue to play in expanding Ireland’s sustainable energy infrastructure.
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