French utility EDF has commenced construction of the 80 MW Taduff Solar Park in County Roscommon, marking a significant step forward in Ireland's utility-scale solar programme. Located approximately 6 km southwest of Athlone, the project includes a battery energy storage system and will connect to the national grid at the Athlone 110kV substation.

Renews.biz reported that the solar farm is expected to be operational by Spring 2028, at which point it will generate sufficient renewable electricity to power around 20,000 homes and contribute to Ireland's target of 8 GW of solar capacity by 2030.

Paul Gallagher, head of onshore technologies at EDF Power Solutions Ireland, said: "This is a major milestone for a project that will help improve Ireland's energy security and sovereignty, while also reducing carbon emissions and the country's overreliance on fossil fuels. Solar energy is an increasingly important part of Ireland's energy mix, and EDF Power Solutions has led the way in Ireland, connecting some of the country's first grid-scale solar farms back in 2023."

EDF Power Solutions Ireland is delivering the project in partnership with engineering contractors Kirby Group and Belectric, working closely with Roscommon County Council and local stakeholders to manage construction and minimise disruption.

Upon completion, an independently administered Community Benefit Fund of approximately €180,000 per year will be established for 15 years to support local initiatives. EDF currently operates three solar farms in Wexford and Kilkenny, where nearly €100,000 has already been distributed to community projects since 2023.

Planning permission for the project was originally granted in August 2020, with EDF Power Solutions Ireland acquiring it in late 2020. An Coimisiún Pleanála subsequently granted planning permission for the 110kV substation and grid connection required to bring the project to construction stage.

Read the full report on the Taduff Solar Park construction start.