ESB energises first wholly-owned solar farm in Co Meath

ESB has announced the energisation of its first wholly-owned solar farm, Bullstown Solar Farm, in Co Meath, marking a major step in the company’s ambition to develop 1.2 GW of solar capacity by 2030.

Construction of the 44-acre, multi-million-euro project began in January 2024. Bullstown Solar Farm is now fully operational and will generate 8.4 MW of electricity, enough to power more than 2,000 homes each year. The project was delivered in partnership with Greencells and Powercomm.

Following energisation, ESB plans to launch the Bullstown Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund in early 2026, providing grants to organisations in the local area.

Eoin Naughton, Solar Development Manager at ESB, said the project is a key milestone in the company’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy. “Over the past year, solar energy production has experienced exponential growth, and Bullstown marks a significant step in our journey towards 1.2 GW of solar capacity by 2030,” he said. “This energisation is just the first of many solar projects we will deliver, supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future while bolstering our energy independence.”

Thomas Sutton, the landowner of Bullstown Solar Farm, said hosting the project on his land was an easy decision. “It provides a steady income and allows me to contribute to cleaner energy,” he said. “ESB’s team were easy to work with, and I was especially pleased with the habitat restoration and the planting of wildflowers across the site.”

ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy aims to increase renewable generation more than fivefold to 5,000 MW. Solar will play a key role alongside offshore and onshore wind, battery storage and green hydrogen projects. Bullstown is part of a wider pipeline of utility-scale solar farms across the midlands, south and south-east of Ireland.

For more information visit www.esb.ie.