ESB and BnM (Bord na Móna) have officially opened the Timahoe North solar farm in Co Kildare, marking a major milestone in Ireland’s renewable energy journey.

The launch was attended by Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, who praised the project as a significant step in the country’s transition to clean energy.

With an installed capacity of 108MWp, the solar farm has been supplying electricity to the national grid since earlier this year.

The site is capable of powering around 25,000 homes, contributing to Ireland’s goal of sourcing 80% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.

Speaking at the launch, Minister O’Brien said: "I am delighted to be here today, alongside ESB and BnM, for what is another big step in the successful growth of solar power in Ireland.

“This project makes a significant contribution to the agreement between both organisations to bring more renewable electricity, in the form of solar, to communities right across the country…

“I look forward to seeing more projects like this being delivered as they are so important for our transition to clean, secure, and more affordable electricity.”

Paddy Hayes, Chief Executive of ESB, emphasised the company’s commitment to decarbonisation: “ESB is delighted to celebrate the opening of Timahoe North by Minister O’Brien together with our partners BnM.

“Solar is an increasingly important part of Ireland’s energy mix and this successful investment at Timahoe North will deliver low carbon electricity for homes, farms and businesses for many years to come.”

BnM CEO Tom Donnellan described the project as part of a broader renewable strategy: “The launch of Timahoe North marks an important milestone for BnM, as we continue to support Ireland’s renewable energy future by developing our 5GW pipeline of sustainable energy systems…

“This is the first in a series of solar farms we are developing with the potential to deliver up to 500MW of solar capacity.”

Timahoe North is the first large-scale solar project delivered under a joint venture between ESB and BnM, who plan to develop a portfolio of solar farms across the Midlands.

Contractors, including Voltalia, H&MV Engineering, S&G Solar Ltd. and Wills Bros Group, supported delivery of the site.

A Community Benefit Fund has also been established to support local economic, environmental and cultural initiatives.

Photo: Sharon Doyle, Head of HR & Communications at BnM, Paddy Hayes, ESB Chief Executive, Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Geoff Meagher, Chairman of BnM, Tom Donnellan, CEO at BnM, and Marie Sinnott, Group Company Secretary of ESB. Picture Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography 2025