Waterford firm Greenvolt Next has broken ground on a 12MW solar farm at Barryscourt in East Cork, appointed by Dublin firm Voltclub. The engineering, procurement and construction contract will see almost 20,000 solar panels installed across the site by September 2027.

Greenvolt Next, part of Greenvolt Group, secured the EPC contract for the project and is responsible for construction and delivery, managing every aspect of the development from implementation through to completion. Work began in mid-August, with completed works anticipated by September 2027.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Dublin, 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, designed around the needs of large energy users and Ireland's electricity system.

Headquartered in Waterford Business Park, Greenvolt Next has delivered some of Ireland's largest renewable energy projects, including the Sanofi Waterford solar farm, and works with retailers including Lidl, Aldi and Tesco. PTSB is providing project finance for Voltclub as it develops the Barryscourt scheme with Greenvolt Next.

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." Carty added: "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 start of construction at Barryscourt was a major milestone for the company: "The project demonstrates our ability to take renewable energy developments from origination and consenting through financing and into construction." Goldsmith added: "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."

The structural driver is Ireland's rapidly growing electricity demand, driven partly by large energy users and grid constraints, which is prompting developers to bring grid-connected solar, wind and battery storage projects through construction at pace. Barryscourt is designed to support businesses and providers navigating these rising energy needs.

For the sector, the Barryscourt project adds to Greenvolt Next's engineering, procurement and construction portfolio in Ireland, reinforcing its role delivering utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure for developers such as Voltclub.

Source: echolive.ie / rte.ie