East Cork solar farm progressing with 20,000 panels planned for Barryscourt site

Waterford firm Greenvolt Next has broken ground on a 12MW solar farm at Barryscourt in East Cork.

Part of Greenvolt Group, the company has been appointed by Dublin firm Voltclub to develop the project.

Founded in 2020, Voltclub originates, funds, develops, constructs, and operates renewable energy and energy storage infrastructure. The company is building a portfolio of grid-connected projects and renewable energy networks incorporating solar, wind, battery storage, and flexible generation.

The project in Barryscourt will see Greenvolt Next deliver almost 20,000 solar panels across the site, reaching a capacity of 12MW of solar energy. The project broke ground in mid-August, with completed works anticipated by September 2027.

Greenvolt Next secured the EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contract for this project and is responsible for implementation and delivery across this large-scale project, managing every aspect of the development from construction through to completion.

Headquartered in the Waterford Business Park, Greenvolt Next was responsible for some of Ireland’s largest renewable energy projects, including Sanofi Waterford solar farm. It also works with leading retailers including Lidl, Aldi, and Tesco.

PTSB is the finance partner for Voltclub as it works with Greenvolt Next to develop Barryscourt Solar Farm.

John Carty, CCO of Greenvolt Next Ireland and UK, said: “Ireland’s energy demands continue to grow at a considerable rate and at Greenvolt Next, we are delivering projects of scale that will enable businesses and providers to meet these energy needs. 

"We are seeing continued demand for EPC projects and we’re proud of the confidence developers place in our ability to deliver projects with quality, speed and safety.”

James Goldsmith, CEO of Voltclub said the commencement of construction at Barryscourt is a major milestone for the company: “Our ambition is to build a substantial portfolio of renewable generation and energy storage assets designed around the needs of Ireland’s electricity system and its large energy users.”