Solar Energy in Ireland Position Paper - Good Energies Alliance Ireland
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Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
Lisandra Meneses
Leitrim, 29th August 2016
Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
Lisandra Meneses
Leitrim, 29th August 2016
2
Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
Table of Contents
ABSTRACT ....................................................................................... 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................... 4
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... 5
2. BACKGROUND ............................................................................. 6
3. THESIS .................................................................................... 10
4. ARGUMENTS AGAINST................................................................. 11
5. ARGUMENTS FOR ........................................................................ 14
6. TWO IRISH CASE STUDIES .......................................................... 19
7. INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDIES ................................................... 20
8. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................... 21
REFERENCES ................................................................................. 23
ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................ 27
ANNEX I ........................................................................................ 28
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Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
Solar Energy in Ireland
Lisandra Meneses1, Alice Dumitrache2 & Aedín McLoughlin3
1Good Energies Alliance Ireland, meneses.lisandra@gmail.com
2Good Energies Alliance Ireland, alice.i.dumitrache@gmail.com
3Good Energies Alliance Ireland, aedinmcloughlin@gmail.com
ABSTRACT Keywords: Position Paper, the
Republic of Ireland, Renewable
Solar energy has the potential to Energy, Climate Change, Solar
become a significant energy Energy, Solar Electricity,
source in the Republic of Ireland. Photovoltaic, Solar Heat.
This paper presents arguments
against and for solar energy with EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
focus on planning, community
benefits, environmental impacts Solar energy can be used as a
and intermittency. power source in order to reduce
consumption of primary energy,
Ireland’s 2020 GHG emissions achieve Ireland’s 2020 targets and
reduction target is a 20% minimise carbon footprint.
reduction in non-emission trading The two main ways that solar
scheme (ETS) emissions energy is used are: photovoltaics
compared to 2005 levels. However (Solar PV) and solar thermal for
the deployment of solar energy heating. Solar PV converts the
will require citizens’ engagement sun’s radiation into electricity and
and the government needs to play solar thermal converts the sun’s
greater role in the transition to a radiation into heat, to use for
low carbon future. residential and commercial space
heating and hot water.
The paper presents Good Energies Solar energy could account for 10%
Alliance Ireland’s position of renewable energy generation
regarding solar energy capacity in Ireland, by 2020,
development in the Republic of representing 500MW of installed
Ireland, supported with several generation capacity.
study cases.
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Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
The main arguments against solar solar farm with community
energy are related with planning benefits.
(criteria used for the site selection
and the process of planning To conclude, Ireland has potential
permission), implementation of for both solar PV and solar heat
solar projects without the inclusion production. Ireland’s energy policy
of community benefits, should focus more on promoting
intermittency and storage (grid and implementing solar energy in
operators have to run decisions in Ireland. Benefits should accrue to
response to intermittent local communities. Awareness
renewable output, requiring campaigns and guidelines for
sometimes storage solutions). planning are needed to ensure an
The main arguments for solar efficient implementation of solar
energy refer to environment, such energy in Ireland.
as agricultural activity and wildlife 1. INTRODUCTION
(small livestock can graze around
the solar panels); biodiversity Nowadays, besides fossil fuels
(helps to promote and conserve (gasoline, oils, coal and natural
biological diversity); health (it help gas) that release carbon dioxide,
to reduce the carbon dioxide human activities, such as burning
emissions and other pollutants in fossil fuels for heat and energy,
the atmosphere); jobs (more jobs clearing forests, fertilizing crops
are created for each unit of and raising livestock, contribute to
electricity generated from global warming. The effects of
renewable sources than from fossil climate change are evident on all
fuels) and 2020 targets (solar continents, causing irreversible
energy can be used as a pathway impacts for people and
to achieve these targets). ecosystems, such as storms, sea-
The largest PV project in Ireland is level rise, coastal flooding, inland
located at County Tipperary. It is a flooding, and extreme weather
45kWp project in the public events.
buildings in Tipperary. In the There is an international
United Kingdom the Westmill Solar commitment to limit the mean
Cooperative is the first large scale global temperature rise to 2 °C
above pre-industrial levels,
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Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
through the reduction of
greenhouse gases emissions’
(GHGs) and the implementation of
renewable energy. The Europe
2020 strategy aims to turn the EU
into a ‘low carbon’ economy based
on renewable energy sources and
energy efficiency.
Ireland’s 2020 GHG emissions
reduction target is a 20%
reduction in non-emission trading F IGURE 1 - IRELAND 'S MAIN
scheme (ETS) emissions ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES (E UROPEAN
compared to 2005 levels. E NVIRONMENT AGENCY , EEA, 2015).
Renewable energy targets are to The environmental challenges
increase the share of final energy presented in Figure 1 refers to
consumption that is made up by valuing and protecting natural
renewable energy sources (RES) environment, building a resource-
to 16% (Department of efficient, low-carbon economy,
Communications, Energy and implementing environmental
Natural Resources, 2015). legislation and putting the
Ireland's environment remains in a environment at the centre of
good condition, although there are decision making. This means, a
some areas of concern. The recent commitment not only for the
economic recession has lowered climate change and greenhouse
greenhouse gas emissions. gases, but also for water,
However, the main challenge for biodiversity, air, rural
Ireland is, as its economy development and waste.
recovers, it must do so in a
sustainable way. In this context, 2. BACKGROUND
the four key environmental 2.1. Global Energy Profile
challenges for the country are The global energy scenario is
(Figure 1) (European Environment changing quickly as a result of
Agency, EEA, 2015): economic and population growth
and technological advancements.
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Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
Figure 2 shows the growth of
global primary energy
consumption, between 1970-
2010, from different sources.
F IGURE 2 - GLOBAL E NERGY CONSUMPTION (ALLEY ET AL . 2015).
Figure 9 (Annex 1) shows the for the final consumer, for
growth of global energy example electricity generation)
consumption aligned with emphasizing changes in the fuel
population growth The two curves mix. Over the period 1990 – 2014
follow a very similar path, leading Ireland’s annual total primary
us to the conclusion that energy requirements (TPER) grew
population growth is one of the in absolute terms by 40% (1.4%
most important factors in the rise per annum on average). Between
in energy consumption (Alley et al. 2005 and 2014 it fell by 16%,
2015). showing the impact of recession
on energy production (The
2.2. Irish Energy Profile Sustainable Energy Authority of
Figure 3 illustrates total primary Ireland, 2015b). Figure 4 allocates
energy requirements in Ireland the total final consumption by
(conversion of primary sources of fuels in Ireland over the period
energy into forms that are useful 1990-2014.
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Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
F IGURE 3 – ENERGY SUPPLY - T HE TOTAL PRIMARY ENERGY REQUIREMENTS IN IRELAND ( (T HE
S USTAINABLE E NERGY AUTHORITY OF IRELAND , 2015 B)).
F IGURE 4 – ENERGY D EMAND - TOTAL FINAL CONSUMPTION BY FUELS IN
IRELAND (IBM CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP & CORPORATE AFFAIRS , 2015).
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Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
2.3. Can solar energy be a In recent years photovoltaic solar
significant source of power in energy has grown faster than
Ireland? other renewable energy sources
The most commonly encountered internationally, with an average
systems for solar electricity annual growth of 58%
production are solar photovoltaic demonstrating the potential of this
(PV) and concentrated solar power technology.
– solar power plants. Solar PV is Figure 5 illustrates the evolution of
used for energy production (large European PV cumulative installed
scale) or water heating (small capacity between 2000-2013
scale) while concentrated solar (European Photovoltaic Industry
power is on a commercial scale. Association, 2014).
F IGURE 5 - EVOLUTION OF EUROPEAN PV CUMULATIVE INSTALLED CAPACITY 2000-2013
(E UROPEAN P HOTOVOLTAIC INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION , 2014).
enjoyed in Madrid and France and
Is commonly believed that the is equivalent to the levels found in
solar radiation in Ireland is very most of the UK (Irish Solar Energy
poor, however solar radiation in Association, 2014b).
Wexford is 78% of the level Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrates
the yearly sum of global irradiation
on horizontal and optimally
inclined surface, during the period
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Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
1998-2011. On horizontal surfaces 750-1050 kWh/kWp and the sum
the potential the potential for solar of global radiation between 1000-
electricity is between 600-900 1400 kWh/m2.
kWh/kWp and the sum of global Solar energy therefore has the
radiation between 800-1200 potential for significant power
kWh/m2. On optimally inclined generation in Ireland.
surfaces the potential the potential
for solar electricity is between
F IGURE 6 - IRELAND GLOBAL IRRADIATION AND F IGURE 7 – IRELAND GLOBAL IRRADIATION
SOLAR ELECTRICITY POTENTIAL – OPTIMALLY - AND SOLAR ELECTRICITY POTENTIAL -
INCLINED PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES HORIZONTALLY MOUNTED PHOTOVOLTAIC
( PHOTOVOLTAIC GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION MODULES (PHOTOVOLTAIC G EOGRAPHICAL
SYSTEM ( PVGIS ), 2012). INFORMATION S YSTEM (PVGIS), 2012)
2.4. Solar Heat The required temperatures will
The sun is a source of free heat define the type of solar system to
that, with the use of solar systems, be used.
can be used in buildings for space
heating (normally heating a liquid 3. THESIS
or a gas) and hot water. Solar energy is an important
renewable heat and power energy
source. Ireland’s energy policy
10Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
should focus on stimulation of the aspect (level or sloping
use of solar energy to accelerate South/SE/SW, not overlooked
the transition to a low carbon by housing),
energy future while ensuring buy- shading (not shaded by
in from communities in the trees, buildings or terrain),
implementation of such policies. solar radiation (must
receive at least 1050kWh/m2 of
4. ARGUMENTS AGAINST solar radiation),
4.1. Solar Electricity grid connection (must be
a) Planning within 1km of existing power
In Ireland some sites are more distribution lines),
suitable for solar farms that other. access (access for vehicles
Solar radiation is one of the most for construction) and
important requirements and site size.
initially it is important to Another problem is the length of
undertake desktop assessments to time it takes to get planning
determine if the site has sufficient permission for a solar farm project
solar potential. creating discontentment among
According with ESGP Ltd (2014) investors.
the criteria used for the site
selection are:
b) Community benefits
flooding (must be outside
Currently solar energy in Ireland is
recognised flood zones),
taking the same track as wind
land use (must be outside
farms some time ago in not
of built up areas or woodland
ensuring buy-in from local
areas),
communities. Local communities
land type (agricultural, ex-
should have a stake (either
industrial landfill, or
ownership, part ownership or
brownfield),
shares) in solar energy projects.
designation (must be
Payments/benefits are not being
outside of protected areas),
shared with local communities,
public access (not crossed
e.g. solar PV on public buildings
by a public footpath, right or
and the current constraints on
way or bridal way),
community investment and shared
11Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
ownership of renewable energy in In solar power plants producing
Ireland may include: electricity, the main visual impacts
access to the national can come from the central receiver
electricity grid, systems and grid connection.
get paid for the electricity In Ireland solar needs 5.5 acres of
they export, land per Megawatt of capacity. 1
access to finance, MW of solar on 5.5 acres can
financial and economic produce 876 MWh of electricity per
incentives such as tax annum, enough to power 300
incentives, VAT exemptions and homes for a year.
investment schemes,
lack of economically d) Ecological impact
affordable access to the The use of large areas of land for
electricity grid, power facilities can affect
restricted choice of legal vegetation and wildlife as in loss of
structures to facilitate habitat and affect species
community investment, classified as sensitive (Solar
lack of clarity in the planning Energy Development
process, and Programmatic EIS, 2016). Central
the restricted powers of local concentrator power systems could
authorities to invest directly in be a danger to birds and flying
wind energy projects. insects can also be burnt when
(Sustainable Authority of flying close to the reflector’s area.
Ireland, 2003) There is some evidence to suggest
that concentrated solar power
c) Visual Impact installations can cause bird
Ground-mounted solar panels may fatalities through collisions and
require large areas for solar burns (The Royal Society for the
radiation collection, causing some Protection of Birds (RSPB), 2014).
visual impacts (however being
visible doesn’t mean necessarily e) Costs
being intrusive, e.g. the farm may In Ireland, solar PV is the only
be screened with trees or renewable energy technology that
otherwise not overlooked). does not qualify for State subsidy,
which will limit the investment and
12Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
the evolution of the industry provides less power than was
(Electric Ireland, 2016). forecasted, grid operators have to
run decisions in response to
f) Intermittency and intermittent renewable output.
Storage Intermittency will require storage
The availability of sunlight is not solutions in the Irish electricity
consistent and solar power has a system (as with other intermittent
low capacity factor (measurement energy sources). Currently a
that compares produced energy variety of technologies can be
with the energy that it would used such as pumped storage
produce if operating at full hydroelectricity, compressed air
capacity for the same amount of storage, battery storage and
time) comparing with other thermal storage devices. However
sources of energy: EU’s Energy Roadmap 2050
confirms that storage technologies
T ABLE 1 - CAPACITY FACTOR OF DIFFERENT remain critical, and that future
ENERGY SOURCES (L OFTHOUSE , J.,
integration of Renewable
SIMMONS , R. & YONK, R., 2015).
Electricity (RES-E) will depend on
Energy source % increased storage capacity. Finally,
Photovoltaic 20% the costs still too high and
Onshore wind power 37% lifetimes need to increase
Concentrated solar power 38% (Department of Communications,
Hydropower 45% Energy and Natural Resources,
Combined cycle gas plant 87% 2015).
Nuclear 90%
Geothermal system 90% 4.2. Solar Heat
Large coal plants 93% a) Market awareness
Solar heat is still considered as a
Photovoltaic and concentrated new technology. Consumers and
solar power have some of the investors do not realize the
lowest capacity factors of any benefits, such as cost
major energy source. effectiveness, benefits for society,
Intermittency of solar energy may energy bills and fiscal incentives.
have a significant impact on
electric grid reliability. When solar
13Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
5. ARGUMENTS FOR The solar panels provide shelter
5.1. Solar Electricity from adverse weather and
The supporting structures of solar airborne predators.
PV occupies less than 1% of the At the end of the solar farm’s life
land area used and the remainder the steel frames can be pulled out
of the infrastructure occupies less of the ground easily and the land
than 5%. Therefore around 95% will be as it was - the construction
of the land is available for is 100% reversible.
vegetation growth and can support
agricultural activity as well as b) Biodiversity
wildlife. So it is possible to have Biodiversity is the variety of plant
both economic and ecological and animal life including
benefits (Lightsource Renewable ecosystems, and life communities
Energy Holdings Limited, 2016). and genetic diversity (German
Renewable Energies Agency,
a) Agriculture 2010).
Solar farms occupy less than 30% A solar farm can help to promote
of leased area and allow land-use and conserve biological diversity.
like grazing small livestock such as First, through careful use of
geese, chicken and sheep, environmentally sensitive,
accommodating a livestock species-rich habitats, it can reduce
density that supports rural or avoid detrimental effects on
business (Lightsource Renewable biological diversity. Secondly, by
Energy Holdings Limited, 2016). changing the use of intensively
With regard to geese and chicken, farmed land, it can in some
they can graze and take shelter circumstances improve a site’s
around the solar panels and live ecological value considerably. This
safely in the area. Solar farms is true also in the context of
allows energy production with no agricultural land and peat-land
emissions, no moving parts and no regeneration (German Renewable
noise. Energies Agency, 2010).
Similarly solar farms do not reduce The land on which the panels are
the number of sheep that can installed can also be used for bee
graze in the area. keeping, wild flowers increasing
14Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
the available habitat vital to the biodiversity gain (Irish Solar
lifecycle of bees. Energy Association, 2015).
Further, wildflowers provide
valuable sites for endangered d) Community benefits
bird’s species. Lastly, increased Solar energy can play in important
biodiversity brings opportunities role in the energy transition to a
for recreation leading to improved low carbon future and it can be
health and well-being. used especially in rural
The German Federal Agency for communities as a way of ensure
Nature Conservation (BfN) energetic independence through
commissioned a study on the the implementation of energy co-
impacts of solar farms on nature operatives.
and the landscape. Research A strong community energy
carried out at six solar parks industry will (Friends of the Earth
analysed the impacts on Ireland, 2012):
vegetation, landscape and Reduce carbon emissions
selected groups of animals. The from the energy sector,
study found that the negative Provide local investment
impacts of solar parks on nature opportunities,
and landscapes are small. It Ensure local investment
highlighted the fact that solar money stays in local
parks built on intensively farmed communities,
land in particular can improve the Generate local jobs,
environmental value of a site Build strong and resilient
(German Renewable Energies community networks, and
Agency, 2010). Help Ireland to meet
renewable energy targets.
c) Planning
With a good planning solar energy e) Costs
can be deployed with minimal Ireland is the fourth most
disturbance and be fully reversible, expensive country in Europe to
after the project life of 25 to 30 buy electricity (Irish Solar Energy
years. Planned sensitively, solar Association, 2014b) and while
can deliver a net planning and energy costs are raising,
renewable energy costs are falling
15Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
including solar energy costs. The panels is increasing, allowing a
costs fell more than 80% in the reduction on consumer’s electricity
last 5 years and more reductions bill (IRENA, 2014b). Figure 8
are expected. In the future, solar illustrates cumulative global solar
energy is expected to become the photovoltaic deployment and solar
cheapest electricity source. photovoltaic module prices
Therefore falling costs are between 2010-2014. While solar
increasing deployment, and PV cumulative installed capacity is
accelerating technological increasing, global average module
progress. With this the financial selling prices are decreasing.
attractiveness of installing solar PV
F IGURE 8 - C UMULATIVE GLOBAL SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC DEPLOYMENT AND SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC
MODULE PRICES BETWEEN 2010-2014 (IRENA, 2014).
Finally, from the investor point of f) Environment and
view, this technology presents a Footprint
very low risk of investment and a
Solar energy technologies have
short payback time. Also, as it is a
low GHG emissions in comparison
reliable source of energy it attracts
to fossil energy sources, so solar
investments.
power can be used instead of fossil
fuels and can dramatically reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
16Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
Solar PV has a minimal impact on 97% of which were fossil fuels.
the environment, since land can be Ireland’s overall energy use and
used for agricultural uses. It does related CO2 emissions increased by
not produce any pollutants and is approximately 5% in 2015 (Irish
one of the cleanest sources of Solar Energy Association, 2016).
energy worldwide (Irish Solar With the volatility of oil prices
Energy Association, 2016). At the energy costs are forecasted to rise,
same time it can contribute to the creating multiple threats to energy
2020 targets and reduce Ireland’s and economic security (Irish Solar
carbon footprint. Energy Association, 2015c).
On the other hand, solar energy is
g) Health predictable and can be used as a
The air and water pollution emitted reliable energy source, providing
by coal and natural gas plants is energy independence especially to
linked to breathing problems, remote areas. It has the potential
neurological damage, heart to contribute between 10% and 20%
attacks and cancer (Rizk, M., of Ireland’s renewable energy
2013). According to U.S. generation by 2020 and contribute
Department of Energy (2016) to security of supply by providing
burning fossil fuels for energy adds predictable and reliable electricity
pollutants into air contributing to generation (Irish Solar Energy
childhood asthma and other health Association, 2015c).
and environmental problems.
Generating electricity from i) Energy Bills
renewable energy rather than Solar power can create energy
fossil fuels offers significant public citizens, helping householders and
health benefits. It helps to reduce businesses pro-actively manage
carbon dioxide emissions and their energy costs and cut
other pollutants in the atmosphere household electricity bills by 50%
and the overall healthcare costs (Irish Solar Energy Association,
(Rizk, M., 2013). 2016).
h) Energy Security j) Jobs
85% of Ireland’s energy was On average, more jobs are created
imported in 2014, costing €5.7 bn, for each unit of electricity
17Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
generated from renewable sources l) Noise and Emissions
than from fossil fuels (Union of Ground-mount solar panels do not
Concerned Scientists, 2016). have moving parts and do not
The International Renewable generate noise or emissions. Even
Energy Agency estimates that during the construction activity the
11.3 direct jobs are created for noise is not significant.
every MW of solar capacity
installed, 11 in construction and 5.2. Solar Heat
0.3 in operations and a) Auto - generation
management (Irish Solar Energy Solar heat is suitable for domestic
Association, 2015c). Up to 7,300 consumption. Some citizens have
direct jobs would be created and a strong desire for supplier
sustained with the rollout of a independence and have their own
supported solar sector in Ireland green agenda. Micro-generation
(Irish Solar Energy Association, can be seen as a safe and
2016). independent way of producing
electricity, especially in remote
k)Meet 2020 targets locations and as a power backup.
Ireland’s 2020 renewable energy
target is to increase the final b) Visual Impact, Noise and
energy consumption from Emissions
renewable energy sources to 16%. Solar panels do not have moving
This target will be made up of parts, do not generate noise or
contributions from renewable emissions and can also be
energy in electricity (RES-E), integrated in buildings. According
renewable energy in transport with Department of the
(RES-T) and renewable energy for Environment, Heritage and Local
heat and cooling (RES-H) Government (2007) solar panels
(Department of Communications, create a low visual impact making
Energy and Natural Resources, them particularly suitable in urban
2015). areas and can be integrated in all
Renewable energy sources such as type of buildings – residential,
wind, hydro and solar energy can industrial, commercial and public.
be used as a pathway to achieve
these targets.
18Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
c) Costs easily generate 20% of the
In 2014 Electricity Supply Board country’s overall renewable
(ESB) closed the pilot scheme to electricity. However, solar PV is
support customers to install the only renewable energy that
domestic micro-generators (solar does not qualify for a State
PV). However the scheme was subsidy (Irish Solar Energy
extended until 31st December Association (ISEA), 2015).
2016, and it has a payment rate of
9.0 cent per kWh. 6.1. Nenagh Town Park
Solar heat costs presents low (45kWp)
investment costs for users and The largest PV project in Ireland,
those who produce most of their completed in October 2014 is
heating from solar will get payback located in County Tipperary. Nine
within 7.5 years. Solar heat public buildings in Tipperary have
currently is supported in Ireland benefited from the installation.
with up to €1,200 grant
(Sustainable Energy Authority of Tipperary County Council is very
Ireland, 2016). pleased with the results that are
now emerging after only one year
d) Energy Bills into this project. We are proud
With a contribution from solar that we can run our public
energy, bills are reduced. Self- buildings using clean sustainable
production also allows export of energy. This photovoltaic project
energy to the grid, depending on has delivered more than we had
the size of the solar system anticipated, not only in electricity
(though at present there is no and cost savings, but also
tariff for micro-generation, influencing others to take on
therefore no payment to the similar projects. We would
producer). recommend to others that they
should actively consider PV as part
6. TWO IRISH CASE STUDIES of their cost, efficiency and
In Ireland, 40% of energy sustainability goals.
Joe McGrath, CEO, Tipperary County
generation must come from
Council (Solar Eletric Ireland, 2016)
renewables by 2020. An
established solar sector could
19Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
We’re delighted to have been it has 1,658 members. It has over
involved in the first large PV 20,000 PV panels on 30 acres and
project in the state. The increase generates 4.8GWhr/year of clean
in the number of organisations electricity, enough to power 1,400
that are now installing PV has homes and to prevent 2,000
demonstrated that this Tipperary tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions
County Council project has been a annually (Westmill Solar Coop,
catalyst for change. 2016).
Paul Kenny, CEO, Tipperary Energy The solar farm is rated at 5MW and
Agency (Solar Eletric Ireland, 2016) it offers to local people the
opportunity to share in the direct
6.2. The National Heritage
rewards of the project. It provides
Park (25kWp)
benefits for the area such as
The Irish National Heritage Park at
boosting the local economy by
Ferrycarrig (Wexford) is in the
making sure that profits stay in the
process of installing 102 ground
area, encouraging visitors and
and roof-mounted solar panels
raising the local area’s profile
which will significantly reduce its
(Westmill Solar Coop, 2016).
energy footprint and bills (Tucker,
D., 2014):
b) Belfast International
The heritage park currently has an
Airport
ESB bill of around €36,000 which
Crookedstone Solar Farm
will hopefully be halved once the
(4.83MW)
whole solar array and other work
The first solar farm connected in
comes on stream.
Maura Bell, Manager
Ireland was completed in February
2016 in Co. Antrim, Northern
7. INTERNATIONAL CASE Ireland and connects to Belfast
STUDIES International Airport. This is the
a) Solar farm with largest UK airport solar project.
community benefits The project is a 4.83 (MWp) solar
Westmill Solar (5MW) farm, connected directly into the
Westmill Solar Cooperative is the private network of Belfast
first large scale community-owned International Airport, providing
solar farm in United Kingdom and 27% of the airport’s annual
electricity demand. The energy
20Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
provided will allow savings of on a working farm. It was
2,100 tonnes of carbon emissions commissioned in 2013 and took
each year – equivalent to taking just six weeks to construct. Sheep
469 cars off the road. (Lightsource on the farm are able to graze
Renewable Energy Holdings around the installation. This keeps
Limited, 2016). the land around the panels
As a business we are committed maintained and the farmer does
towards sustainability, and being not lose valuable grazing acreage.
able to procure solar electricity is It also acts as a shelter for the
a huge benefit, not only towards sheep during adverse weather
lowering our carbon footprint but conditions (Premier Construction,
reducing our operating costs and 2014).
providing pricing certainty for the
future. We need certainty of 8. CONCLUSIONS AND
supply, capability of supply but it RECOMMENDATIONS
also has to be the right price and 1- Ireland has a huge potential
Lightsource demonstrates they are for solar PV production. Solar
the right long-term partner for us. radiation in Wexford is 78% of the
We were delighted that even level enjoyed in Madrid and France.
on the first day of connection, 2- Solar energy can contribute
the solar farm generated more to 2020 greenhouse gas emission
power than we needed, and targets and play an important role
the airport ran for 9 hours on in Ireland’s overall energy mix
just solar power alone. providing a reliable and secure
Alan Whiteside, Operations Director, source of energy when combined
Belfast International Airport (Lightsource
with a non- intermittent source of
Renewable Energy Holdings Limited,
2016). energy.
3- The falling costs of solar
c) Solar farm with land and modules make it more viable and
agricultural benefits affordable.
Crinacott Solar Park (6.8MW) 4- Irish Energy Policy should
Crinacott Solar Park is a 6.8 focus more on solar energy in
Megawatt plant with 28,608 solar Ireland to promote and implement
panels which provide energy to it.
1,800 households and is located
21Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
5- Benefits are raising from connect their project and get
solar farms and should be shared paid for the electricity they
with local communities. export.
6- Awareness campaigns and Energy citizens - Engaging
guidelines for planning are needed citizens and investors is
to ensure an efficient fundamental for the transition to
implementation of solar energy in a low carbon future and for the
Ireland. development of solar energy in
Recommendations: Ireland. The Government needs
Ireland’s targets - The to play a role in this transition
government should decide and should focus on the
targets for solar power and heat priorities of social acceptance of
for domestic and industrial use. renewable energy sources and
Solar energy could account for citizens education, particularly
10% of renewable energy as a way of reducing demand.
generation capacity by 2020, in Community ownership -
Ireland. GEAI supports and encourages
Planning - Consultative community ownership of solar
planning process involving local energy projects and defends the
communities and the development of local energy co-
stakeholders should be operatives as a way of domestic
developed to make sure that and industrial auto-production
mistakes made with planning for and at a grid-scale, but with
wind farms will not be replicated direct benefits for the local
with solar farms. communities.
Financial support - The
government should encourage GEAI supports the future
and support the development of development of solar energy and
solar PV in Ireland and support considers that its development is
the development of solar energy an essential part of the
through financial schemes. decarbonisation of energy
Facilitate connection to production in Ireland and
the grid and agree tariffs - fundamental for the transition to a
ensure community energy low carbon future.
groups have grid access, can
22Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
GEAI asserts that the thesis cetech/article-2045926/Solar-
defended in this paper plant-generate-energy-night--
glowing-lightbulb-tower-thats-
summarises our position: Solar hot-melt-salt.html
energy is an important Department of Communications, Energy
renewable heat and power and Natural Resources. (2015).
energy source. Ireland’s Irelands National Renewable
energy policy should focus on Energy Action Plan (NREAP).
Retrieved May 25, 2016, from
stimulation of the use of solar http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/energy/
energy to accelerate the en-ie/Renewable-
transition to a low carbon Energy/Pages/Action-Plan.aspx
energy future while ensuring Department of Communications, Energy
buy-in from communities in and Natural Resources. (2015).
White Paper - Ireland's Transition
the implementation of such to a Low Carbon Energy Future -
policies. 2015 - 2030.
Department of the Environment, Heritage
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27Solar Energy in Ireland
Position Paper
ANNEX I
F IGURE 9 - ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND POPULATION (THE OIL DRUM , 2010).
©2016 Lisandra Meneses
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