The planning application, which is being submitted to Wexford County Council, proposes the development of a around 21MW solar photovoltaic (PV) array on a 44 hectare site in the townlands of Hooks and Yoletown in south Wexford. The proposed solar farm location is near the existing 18 turbine Richfield Wind Farm which has been in operation since 2006. Submission of a planning application follows a period of local public consultation on the project, which took place earlier this year.
With an installed capacity of 27MW, Richfield Wind Farm is already capable of generating enough renewable energy to power up to 18,000 homes annually, while abating almost 18,000 metric tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide per annum. Together, the proposed hybrid co-located development of a 21MW solar farm alongside the existing wind farm could increase the typical annual renewable energy output from Richfield by around 25 per cent, enough to power an additional 4,500 Irish homes annually.
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In addition to increasing the renewable energy output from Richfield, a combined wind and solar asset at the site would be more productive and resilient, as it will be capable of contributing power to Ireland’s grid at times when the sun shines but when the wind does not blow. This could further support efforts to meet Ireland's target of generating 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
The proposed solar development will have a hybrid grid connection with Richfield Wind Farm. The development of the project will be subject to changes in Ireland’s current grid connection consenting regime to allow for 'hybrid' technology grid connections to facilitate co-location of wind and solar generation sources. Delivery of the project is also subject to securing an economic route to market ahead of a final investment decision expected around early 2026.
In addition to the renewable energy benefits of the proposed development, the project will also play an important role in combatting the nature emergency. Should the project secure all its consents and progress to delivery, SSE Renewables will plant 15% of the site area with native woodland species as per its own Biodiversity Net Gain targets and also in line with requirements set out in the Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028.
