Neoen, one of the world’s largest independent renewable energy producers, has issued notices to proceed for two major solar projects in Ireland: the 162 MWp Garr Solar Farm and the 33 MWp Johnstown North Solar Farm. Omexom has been appointed to deliver the solar arrays and associated infrastructure, while TLI Group will manage construction of the onsite substations and grid connections.
With these contracts now in place, both projects move formally into the construction phase, with site works scheduled to begin in the coming months. The two developments were awarded contracts under the Republic of Ireland’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 4) auction in 2024, reinforcing the country’s continued momentum in utility-scale renewable energy deployment.
Garr Solar Farm marks Neoen’s first project in County Offaly and will rank among Ireland’s largest solar installations once complete. The project is expected to generate enough clean electricity to power more than 38,000 homes each year, preventing over 51,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. It will connect to the national transmission network operated by EirGrid and is planned for commissioning in 2029. The scale of the project reflects Neoen’s expanding presence in Ireland and its strategy to develop high-impact renewable assets that support national climate and energy objectives.
Johnstown North Solar Farm is Neoen’s third solar project in County Wicklow and will produce enough power to supply approximately 8,000 homes. Its operation will avoid more than 10,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. The plant will connect to the distribution network operated by ESB Networks, with completion targeted for 2028. Together, Garr and Johnstown North contribute a combined 195 MWp of new solar capacity to Ireland’s grid, strengthening regional energy resilience.
Neoen will implement Community Benefit Funds for both projects and integrate sustainable land management practices, including sheep grazing for natural vegetation control. Biodiversity enhancement measures such as native planting, bat and bird boxes, and insect hotels will also form part of the long-term environmental design. These commitments align with the company’s broader approach to ensuring that large-scale renewable assets deliver ecological value alongside clean energy.With this announcement, Neoen’s total capacity in Ireland has reached 410 MW either operational or under construction.
This portfolio includes three operational solar farms totalling 58 MWp, two additional RESS 2 solar projects under construction with a combined capacity of 104 MWp, and eight operational wind farms providing 53 MW of renewable energy. Beyond current developments, the company has a robust national pipeline of 1.8 GW spanning onshore wind, solar, and battery storage, reflecting its intention to play a central role in meeting Ireland’s future electricity demand, including the growing needs of the data centre sector
.Ciaran O’Brien, Managing Director of Neoen Ireland, emphasised that the Garr and Johnstown North projects are significant milestones for the company’s investment in the country’s energy landscape and acknowledged the support of the Irish government, EirGrid, and ESB Networks. He noted that the projects highlight the strength of Neoen’s partnerships under the RESS framework and the meaningful benefits they will bring to the Offaly and Wicklow communities.
Xavier Barbaro, Neoen’s Group CEO, praised the achievement and the work of the Neoen Ireland team, stating that 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. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Ireland’s energy sovereignty and accelerating its transition to a sustainable, renewables-driven future.
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