New energy projects of all shapes and sizes

As the country looks set to emerge from the latest energy shock, Ireland’s renewable energy pipeline continues to evolve, with companies advancing a wide range of projects through the planning system.

From large-scale solar farms and wind energy developments to battery storage facilities, hydrogen infrastructure and flexible generation plants, projects of all sizes are progressing across the country. Here, we take a look at some of the notable energy projects currently making their way through Ireland’s planning process.

Wicklow solar farm

Partridge Solar Limited has secured planning permission for a 503ac solar farm across the townlands of Kilcandra, Kilnamanagh Beg, Ballynagran and Ballinaclogh near Glenealy, Wicklow. The project will have a 40-year operational lifespan and was initially granted permission by Wicklow County Council. An appeal was subsequently lodged, but the decision to approve the development was upheld.

Carlow hydrogen project

As reported last week, Net Zero Energy (NZE) is advancing plans for the €2 billion Rathrush Green Energy Park near Rathoe, Carlow. The proposed long-duration energy storage facility would use surplus renewable electricity to produce and store green hydrogen in underground rock caverns before converting it back into electricity when required.

The project is designed to deliver up to 600MW of power for 70 hours, enough to meet around 10% of Ireland’s peak electricity demand, and could support up to 1,500 construction jobs and 70 permanent roles. Following community consultation, the developer aims to submit a planning application by the end of 2026.

Kilkenny wind turbine

Art Generation Limited has applied for planning permission for a 4.26MW wind energy project in the townlands of Ballytobin and Ballyhall, Kilkenny.

The single wind turbine will have a tip height of 159 metres, along with associated foundations, access infrastructure, a construction compound and a 20kV onsite electrical substation. The application is seeking a 10 year planning permission period, with a decision due on 20 July 2026.

Donegal battery storage

Donegal County Council has refused planning permission for a proposed battery energy storage system by Renewable Energy Systems Limited on a 15ac site south of Letterkenny.

The project would have included 96 battery storage units, an electrical compound, transformer and inverter stations, attenuation ponds, grid connection infrastructure and upgraded access from the N13. The council refused permission on road safety grounds and due to concerns over potential impacts on future road infrastructure projects.

Tipperary wind project

Coolderry Green Energy Limited has applied for planning permission for a wind farm comprising four turbines with tip heights of 160 metres in the Nenagh area of Tipperary. The proposed development includes a meteorological mast, turbine foundations, crane hardstands, underground cabling and a 38kV onsite substation with associated infrastructure.

The project is located across multiple townlands including Coolderry, Grenanstown, Ballinamona, Kilconane, Kilkeary, Knockalton Upper and Lissatunney, with a planning decision due on 23 July 2026.

Kilkenny solar project

BNRG Rosehill Limited has secured planning permission for a solar PV development and battery energy storage system on a 62ac site in Kilkenny. The project, which also includes a grid connection route, will be developed across the townlands of Castleblunden, Drakeland Middle, Clonmoran, Mortgagefields, Poulgour, Wetland and Archersleas, with permission granted for a 10 year period.

Donegal wind project

Mulmosog Wind Limited has applied for planning permission for a four-turbine wind farm near Killybegs, Donegal, comprising three 4.5MW turbines and one 4.2MW turbine, alongside turbine foundations, crane hardstands, access infrastructure and a 38kV onsite substation and control building.

The proposed development is located across the townlands of Mulmosog, Meentullynagarn, Meenakillew, Altnagapple, Crocknagapple and Corker More. A planning decision is due by 14 July 2026.

Meath solar farm

Fyanstown Solar Farm Limited has applied for planning permission for a solar farm and energy storage facility on a 339ac site near Kells, Meath.

The proposed development includes solar PV arrays, 41 transformer stations, a medium-voltage control substation and associated energy storage infrastructure across the townlands of Fyanstown, Kilmainham, Rossmeen and Sedenrath. Meath County Council has sought further information from the developer.

Tipperary power plant

Tipperary County Council has invalidated a planning application by Flamewell Limited for a proposed 120MW power plant at Ard Gaoithe Technology Park, Lawlesstown, Clonmel, Tipperary.

The development would have comprised up to six dual-fuel gas and diesel reciprocating engines, an exhaust stack cluster, electrical infrastructure, fuel storage facilities, administration and workshop buildings, and associated ancillary works.

Offaly solar project

GP Joule Ireland Limited has applied for planning permission for a 145MW solar PV farm on a 366ac site across the townlands of Stonestown, Kilcamin, Crancreagh and Derrinlough, Offaly.

Permission is being sought for a 10 year construction period and a 40 year operational lifespan, with a planning decision due on 29 July 2026.

Galway solar

Tuam Energy Park Limited has received planning permission for a solar PV farm on a 119ac site in the townlands of Shantallow, Cloonascragh and Togher, Galway.

The development will comprise ground-mounted solar panels, electrical transformers, associated infrastructure and underground cabling. Permission has been granted for a 40 year operational lifespan, followed by decommissioning of the facility.