_.png)
Adding to our ongoing successful build out of Solar PV in Ireland, Highfield Energy are pleased to announce that a further 324MWp of our Solar PV projects have been included in the provisional list of successful applicants for the second Renewable Electricity Support Scheme Auction (RESS 2) published on 20 May 2022.
Completed Solar PV Module Array
This makes Highfield Solar the largest winners of support for solar energy in the RESS 2 auction. These projects will drive a further ~€240m of inward investment towards the decarbonisation of the Irish Electricity system. When completed they will offset the output of ~100,000 t CO2 annually and contribute significantly towards Ireland's 2030 CO2 reduction targets.
Highfield’s RESS 2 projects included on the provisional list are:
Rathnaskilloge Solar Farm, Co. Waterford - 114 MWp
Gaskinstown Solar Farm, Co. Meath - 96 MWp
North Arklow Solar plus Storage facility, Co. Wicklow - 57 MWp
Clonin North Solar Farm, Co. Offaly - 57 MWp
“We are very pleased to secure provisional support for four of our Solar PV projects in the RESS 2 auction today and maintain our position as the most successful Solar PV developer in Ireland. This is a significant step forward for these projects and we look forward to continuing to develop our Irish pipeline with our project partners Aura Power and ib vogt”, Peter Kavanagh, Managing Director, Highfield Energy.
This builds on successes from the RESS 1 Auction in 2020, in which 282MWp of Highfield Solar's PV capacity secured long term support. Having finalised €160m project debt financing in July 2021, construction is now near completion on those projects, with energisation scheduled in August and November 2022 respectively.
As with the first RESS auction, RESS 2 retains an important focus on community participation and direct community benefit. Highfield look forward to the formation of the community benefit funds that will allow these projects to distribute a combined figure of approximately €510,000 per annum to neighbouring communities during the term of the RESS 2 support. This brings the combined local support payments that will come from Highfield’s RESS 1 and RESS 2 community benefit funds to approximately €800,000 per annum.
In addition, Highfield also welcomes the announcement of the 100% community owned projects listed for support on the provisional list. These include a number of projects on which Highfield has collaborated with local community groups, providing expertise and support as part of wider industry efforts to assist community groups during the energy transition.
Full Press Release:
Σχόλια