Global renewable energy company Ørsted has entered into a landmark landowner lease agreement with one of Ireland’s largest dairy farmers to explore options for renewable energy production at the farm.   

Greenhills farm is situated in east Cork and has had varied agricultural uses from sugar beet production to dairy.

As part of the new agreement, the site now has potential to be utilised for renewable energy generation. 

This agreement forms part of Ørsted’s plans for a 250 MW export capacity solar development, which has the potential to power at least 52,000 homes.  

TJ Hunter, Vice President Onshore Ireland & UK said: “A landowner lease agreement is a significant milestone, but it is also a very early step on the journey to developing a renewable energy project.

“We are pleased to be engaging with the team at Greenhills who have a progressive track record in agriculture.

“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, and when completed, this project has the potential to generate enough renewable energy to power in excess of 52,000 homes.

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

Tom, Elizabeth and Simon Browne, the family behind Greenhills, said: “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 1.5 million 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.”   

Concluding TJ Hunter added, “Our 100-strong Cork based team are proud to take this project forward to establish the detail of what it might look like and to bring proposals forward to the community and stakeholders.

“Although it is early days, if members of the community wish to get in touch our team are on hand and keen to hear from you.”   

Ørsted’s portfolio currently includes 373 MW of onshore wind across the island of Ireland.

In solar, the near-term pipeline currently stands at over 700 MW, supporting the Irish Government's 8 GW solar energy target by 2030.  

Photo: TJ Hunter, Vice President Onshore Ireland & UK (Right) with Simon Browne (left) and Tom Browne (Centre), the family behind Greenhills. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO