New solar project approved for Wexford

A new solar project has been approved for Wexford under Ireland’s latest renewable energy auction. Ørsted has today secured a 109 MW solar contract in the Irish Government’s fifth onshore renewable energy support scheme (RESS5) auction. The approved project is a solar development in Lodgewood, Wexford. A total of 18 solar projects were cleared in the auction, at an average strike price of EUR 98.81 per MWh. Lodgewood is Ørsted's third solar project in three consecutive years to be awarded a government contract. Subject to final investment decision, the development is expected to be operational in 2028. Commenting on the auction result, TJ Hunter, VP Onshore Ireland and UK, said: “At 109 MW, Lodgewood marks our biggest solar development in Ireland to date with capacity to generate enough renewable power for over 34,000 homes, equal to every second home in County Wexford.  In addition to Lodgewood, we currently have two solar farms under construction, and a strong near-term pipeline of solar at over 800 MW. If we are to ultimately achieve a secure energy supply for Ireland, solar energy is a fundamental piece of the jigsaw. We will continue to look at opportunities for solar projects in Ireland to help the government achieve its 2030 target of 8 GW of solar energy.” This is the third solar farm awarded a government contract in recent years, contributing to Ireland’s solar energy goal over the next 5 years. There are also two other solar farms under construction in Carlow and Cork, set to be finished by 2026.