Elgin Energy is a finalist in this years Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Awards. They are one of four finalists in the Renewable Energy Project Category, introduced for the first time this year.
In its 15th year, the SEAI Sustainable Energy Awards recognises and rewards excellence in all aspects of energy efficiency and renewable energy. 32 organisations across 9 categories have been named as finalists this year and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 25 October in the Mansion House, Dublin.
Commenting on the competition, Jim Gannon, Chief Executive, SEAI said:
“Each year the SEAI Energy Awards showcase excellence in sustainable energy. We all have a say in what our energy future will look like and we all have a responsibility to act. The Awards finalists are leading the way in this action and are demonstrating how other organisations can push the boundaries of more sustainable energy generation and energy efficiency activities. I commend them on their significant achievements.”
Elgin Energy submitted Bann Road solar farm as their entry. They originated and developed the 46 MW project located in Co. Antrim. Energised in early 2017, the project consists of two sites spanning 180 acres. Elgin Energy partnered with BayWa r.e. to install the project and total installation took four months. Bann Road solar farm is currently owned by Greencoat Solar Assets II Ltd. with BayWa r.e. providing O&M services. It is currently the largest solar farm on the island of Ireland.
Ronan Kilduff, Managing Director, Elgin Energy said;
“We are delighted to be a finalist in this year’s energy awards alongside some very impressive projects. Energisation of this solar farm is the result of hard work and collaboration between many stakeholders who share our vision and we thank them for their contribution and commitment. 2018 has been a significant year for Irish solar and we anticipate an exciting year for 2019 with supportive policies now in place.”
2018 saw the introduction of an SEAI Solar PV grant offering homeowners up to €3,800 to support the installation of rooftop solar PV panels and battery energy storage systems. Shortly before this, the government announced the historic introduction of a support scheme and route to market for large scale solar projects in Ireland through the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). There is over 1GW of solar PV with planning permission across Ireland that will contribute to the diversification of the Irish energy mix over the next decade.
Elgin Energy is currently developing a further 70 MW across Northern Ireland and developed a second solar farm, Ballygarvey 9 MW, which was energised earlier this year. A further 300 MW+ is in development across the rest of the country. You can learn more about our energised projects here.
For more on Bann Road solar farm, check out the video below;