Coleraine solar farm

A 52ac solar farm on the outskirts of Coleraine, Northern Ireland (NI), has been approved by Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council. The project, one of only a handful in NI includes photovoltaic panels, battery storage inverters and fencing.

The solar farm could generate enough electricity for about 11,000 homes. It received a green light despite the application having received a number of objections.

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Energia sale

French private equity firm Ardian is set to acquire Irish energy group Energia from I Squared Capital, in a deal valued at about €2.5–€2.75bn.

Energia supplies roughly 900,000 customers across Ireland, providing around 17% of total electricity and 20% of wind energy.

The sale, expected in early 2026 pending approval, will see Ardian take ownership while retaining Energia’s management.

Ardian plans to support Energia’s renewable energy and digital infrastructure ambitions, including a 165 MW data centre in Dublin. Energia also have multiple renewable energy projects in development.

Cavan renewable jobs

Cavan-based renewable energy company Galetech Group plans to create 65 jobs over the next three years as part of its strategy to double in size and expand internationally, particularly in the UK, Africa and Australia.

Supported by Enterprise Ireland, the company will grow to 215 employees across engineering, planning, sales, HR and IT. Founded in 2000 by Darren Sherry and Herman Busschots, Galetech develops, manages and maintains renewable energy projects.

With a 1,000 MW pipeline in wind, solar and storage, the firm is also investing in e-fuels, aiming to establish an Irish pilot plant to support aviation decarbonisation.

Gas makes 45% of electricity

In August 2025, Ireland’s gas demand rose by 9% year-on-year, despite warm weather, according to Gas Networks Ireland. The increase was driven by greater gas use in electricity generation, as coal has been fully phased out.

Compared with July, demand fell 9% month-on-month due to reduced heating needs and stronger wind output.

In August, gas generated 45% of electricity, up from 36% the previous year, and at times supplied up to 90%, while wind and solar made smaller contributions. Wind supplied 27% of electricity, down 8% on last year from 35%.