French renewable energy company Neoen has issued notices to proceed for its 162 MWp Garr Solar Farm in County Offaly and 33 MWp Johnstown North Solar Farm in County Wicklow, formally commencing construction of both projects and nearly doubling its total capacity in Ireland to 410 MW. Omexom has been appointed to deliver the solar arrays and associated infrastructure, while TLI Group will manage the construction of the onsite substations and grid connections for both sites.

Energy Global reported that both projects were awarded contracts under Ireland's Renewable Electricity Support Scheme RESS 4 auction in 2024, with the Garr Solar Farm representing Neoen's first project in County Offaly and one of Ireland's largest solar installations to date. Garr is expected to be operational by 2029, while Johnstown North is scheduled to commence operations in 2028.

Ciaran O'Brien, managing director of Neoen Ireland, said Garr and Johnstown North solar farms represent major milestones for Neoen's investment in Ireland's energy future, and expressed thanks to the Irish Government, EirGrid and ESBN for placing their trust in the company.

Xavier Barbaro, group chief executive of Neoen, said the addition of 195 MWp of solar capacity will contribute to meeting Ireland's rising electricity demand and help ease power price pressures over time, reaffirming the company's commitment to Ireland's energy sovereignty and the acceleration of its energy transition.

When fully operational, the Garr Solar Farm will generate enough energy to power over 38,000 homes and prevent more than 51,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Johnstown North is expected to power 8,000 homes and prevent over 10,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

Read the full report on Neoen's construction start for the Garr and Johnstown North solar farms.