RES Plans One Gigawatt of New Solar to Power 'Green Recovery'
RES is spearheading a renaissance in solar development in the UK&I to support the Green Recovery, with a sizeable pipeline of new projects totaling in excess of a gigawatt. A new era of large-scale, low cost solar farms capable of powering in excess of 250,000 homes per annum, or charging 24 million electric cars, are being pioneered by RES. A total of 23 new projects ranging from 12MW to 120MW are being developed across the UK&I using the latest solar technology.
Solar will be a key enabler of our net zero transition and the new era of solar being planned by RES is supported by the rapid fall in the cost of the technology in recent years. The projects identified will use bi-facial panels, technology that enables solar panels to absorb light on the front and back. This makes solar far more efficient at producing electricity, helping RES to produce electricity at least cost for the consumer.
In addition to the new projects RES has also secured planning consent for 230 MW of solar capacity in Ireland. This was bolstered most recently by Ballymoneen, a 105MW solar farm located in Co. Galway, which was approved in March. RES has also just submitted plans for Derrill Water, a 42MW solar farm located in Devon, its first new planning application for a solar project in the UK since 2015.
Karl O’Mullan, RES’ Head of Solar Projects, said: “Large-scale solar can produce clean, low cost electricity for consumers and will play a vital role in supporting our transition to a net zero economy. As we see demand for new solar continue to grow, we’re making plans to expand our portfolio even further.
“We’re currently recruiting to support the significant work required to bring a portfolio of solar farms, capable of generating in excess of one gigawatt through the planning system. These new roles and the additional jobs created in the supply chain will also support our Green Recovery.”
RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, active in onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage, transmission and distribution. In its 39-year history, RES has delivered more than 19GW of renewable energy projects across the globe.
