One of Ireland’s largest dairy farms, milking 1,100 cows in Cork, is to move into solar energy production, it has been confirmed.

It was reported by the Irish Farmers Journal in October 2024 that Greenhills Dairies in Killeagh was being linked to a major solar project in the area.

This was confirmed by Danish-based renewable energy firm Ørsted on Tuesday 18 March, who said this project will generate enough renewable energy to power 52,000 homes, some 250MW.

The family farm, understood to be in excess of 1,100ac including owned and rented land, is run by Tom and Elizabeth Browne and their son, Simon.

The family said they will now “rethink” the future of their farm with a view to leading the way in sustainability.

“We are proud to have built a reputation as a leader in Irish dairy and we are proud now to play a role in providing reliable renewable energy generation.

“With a herd of 1,100, we are one of the biggest dairy farms in Ireland and we have enjoyed our role in the agricultural community that cares for the 1.5m strong Irish dairy herd.

“We are now excited to work with the Irish Ørsted team to rethink the future of our farm to play a leading role in the journey to sustainability,” Tom, Elizabeth and Simon said.  

The farm supplies Dairygold. It has varied agricultural uses including dairying and sugar beet production.

Tom Browne had one of the largest milk quotas in the State before they were abolished. He was also a major grower of sugar beet before the industry was wound up in 2005-2006.

‘Milestone’

TJ Hunter of Ørsted said this farmer agreement is a “significant milestone”.

“We can now begin to detail a project to start the planning process and continue to engage closely with the local community and stakeholders to establish the right approach for the area. This area has some of the country's best solar energy generating conditions.

“We are committed to working with agricultural and rural communities nationwide to ensure a secure, sustainable future built on green energy that benefits all,” he said.

Hunter added that Ørsted’s Cork-based team will develop what the project will look like and bring proposals to the community.

Ørsted’s portfolio currently includes 373MW of onshore wind across the island of Ireland. In solar, the near-term pipeline currently stands at over 700MW.