Alken Energy Limited is seeking planning permission to develop a 28ha solar farm in north Kerry.
The company, who has applied to Kerry County Council for planning, is hoping to develop the project at Pallas, Kilfeighny South and Glanoe.
The development would also comprise of underground internal electrical cabling; an upgrade of an existing site entrance; 100m of new internal access tracks; an upgrade of 2,550m of existing internal access tracks; 4,360m of perimeter fencing that is 2.8m high; CCTV cameras; landscaping; and the felling of approximately 24.3ha of coniferous forestry.
The developers are seeking to connect to an EirGrid 110kV substation in Clahane. A decision is expected by the council by the end of this month.
17ha solar farm planned for Carlow
Meanwhile, in Co. Carlow, plans are in the pipeline for a new solar farm on 17ha of land.
A Natura Impact Statement has been included as part of the application. A decision is expected from Carlow County Council before the end of March 2021.
New requirement announced for community category of RESS auctions
When it comes to future renewable energy projects, Minister Eamon Ryan is keen to have communities benefiting from developments in their locality.
The RESS provides support to renewable electricity projects in Ireland. The scheme uses a competitive auction process to determine which generators receive support.
“This move signals yet further democratisation of our energy system. I urge communities with an interest in renewable energy to embrace this opportunity,” the minister said.
“Communities will now be able to retain all the benefits that are associated with generating their own electricity.
These benefits can provide a secure long-term financial boost to the community at large and allow reinvestment into securing the community’s long-term future.
“It is recognised that electricity generation is a complex task and especially so for communities.
“In that regard, an enabling framework of supports is being developed by the department and the SEAI [Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland], with details to be announced next month.”