Ireland’s energy transition well under way

In just a few years, Dublin has become the European data centre capital. It hosts a number of digital giants, such as Amazon, Google and Apple, that have considerable energy needs. Other big names are soon expected to join them: the 200,000 sq. metres of space given over to data centres is predicted to double in the next four years. The Irish renewable energy market must adapt rapidly to meet this demand.

Faced with this sizeable energy requirement, the Irish government is committed to increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix from less than 40% in 2020 to 70% by 2030.

Complementarity and international cooperation

Neoen is the first independent French producer of exclusively renewable energies. In 2020, the Group contacted the French business unit Omexom RE Solar for support on a photovoltaic facilities project in Ireland governed by the RESS (Renewable Electricity Support Scheme).

Omexom RE Solar turned to its Irish counterpart, Omexom Ireland, to create a joint bid. This combined effort enabled them to win the project, with each business unit bringing its own expertise to cover the project. Omexom RE Solar is handling project management, engineering, procurement and construction of the solar farm; Omexom Ireland is responsible for connecting the installations to the local power supply network. Some of the engineering studies were entrusted to Omexom GA Energo.

Markus Popp, Omexom Brand Director, said: “This commercial success is a perfect example of fruitful synergy between Omexom business units, which were able to combine their expertise to help a customer with their project and contribute to Ireland’s goal of increasing the share of renewable energies in its energy mix.”

These photovoltaic plants, located in Millvale, Knockanally and Hilltown, south and west of Dublin, are due for connection to the Irish electricity grid early in 2022. They will generate a total peak output of more than 58 MWp.