Tag: Solar power

Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust (ORIT) Expands Its Green Energy Footprint with 42MW Solar Farm Acquisition Near Dublin! 

We are thrilled to announce that ORIT has successfully completed the acquisition of a newly constructed 42MW solar farm near Dublin, Ireland! This exciting addition brings our total capacity across five sites to an impressive 241MW, contributing significantly towards Ireland’s ambitious national PV target of 8GW by 2030.

This solar farm, along with four operational solar farms acquired earlier this year, positions ORIT as a key player in the renewable energy sector. Developed and constructed by Statkraft Ireland under ORIT’s watchful eye, these arrays are set to meet approximately 2.5% of Ireland’s solar energy goals, underscoring our commitment to a sustainable future.

Financed partially through a €104m debt facility from Allied Irish Banks and La Banque Postale, this acquisition has a total cost of €198m, with €38m allocated to this new site. The strategic partnership includes a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Microsoft, ensuring a stable revenue stream from the solar complex.

With this acquisition, ORIT’s operational renewable energy assets now total 802MW, enough green energy to power around 50,000 homes!  Not only does this endeavor provide sustainable electricity to Irish households, but it also helps prevent approximately 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Phil Austin, chairman of ORIT, shared his enthusiasm: “We are delighted to have completed the fifth solar site following its energisation, underscoring our continued commitment to increasing green electricity generation through renewable infrastructure projects. This solar complex will play a crucial role in providing sustainable electricity to Ireland, helping it meet its clean energy goals and representing a step forward in our mission to deliver long-term value for our shareholders and positive environmental impact.” Join us on our journey towards a greener future! #OctopusRenewables #GreenEnergy #SolarPower #RenewableInfrastructure #Ireland #SustainableFuture #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy #SolarEnergy #EnergyTransition #ORIT

Clearvise Expands Solar Portfolio with 70MWp French Solar Project 

Clearvise has taken a significant step in its renewable energy growth by signing a purchase agreement with ClearPartners for a large-scale, ground-mounted photovoltaic system in western France. The solar project, boasting an authorised capacity of over 70MWp, marks a key milestone in the company’s expansion strategy. While the sale price remains undisclosed, the impact of this acquisition is set to be substantial. This solar park has already secured a legally binding building permit after successfully navigating the authorisation process. Once operational, the site will generate more than 90GWh of clean electricity per year, powering thousands of homes and businesses. The project will benefit from a mix of state-guaranteed feed-in tariffs and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), ensuring long-term financial stability.

Clearvise AG’s chief executive, Petra Leue-Bahns, commented: “The signing of this purchase agreement represents a new milestone in our growth initiative. Our co-development and co-IPP model with ClearPartners highlights our commitment to fair, long-term cooperation with regional developers, benefiting all partners involved.” As part of the ClearPartners cooperation, the regional development partner will retain a 30% stake in the project, while Clearvise holds the majority with a 70% share. This close integration with local partners is seen as a “role model” for long-term, sustainable value creation in the region. The addition of this solar park strengthens Clearvise’s position as a key player in the European renewable energy market, and highlights the company’s dedication to sustainable growth through innovative partnerships. #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Clearvise #ClearPartners #GreenEnergy #Sustainability #FranceSolar #PPAs #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #SolarProjects #SustainableGrowth #ClimateAction

Mainstream Renewable Power Secures Financial Close for 50MW Ilikwa Solar Plant in South Africa 

Mainstream Renewable Power has officially reached financial close on its 50MW Ilikwa solar plant in South Africa, a game-changing development set to energize businesses with affordable, clean energy. The Ilikwa plant will supply multiple commercial and industrial customers through flexible, shorter-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) under an innovative new product called Renewable Energy Supply Agreements (RESAs). This breakthrough offers businesses more control by providing contracts between 5 and 10 years, allowing them to lock in sustainable energy solutions without long-term commitments.

Hein Reyneke, Mainstream’s General Manager for Africa, shared the company’s enthusiasm:
“We are excited to bring this new product to market, offering customers the opportunity to secure flexible, clean, and lower-cost electricity.”With a 12GW project portfolio, Mainstream is solidifying its leadership in South Africa’s renewable energy landscape. 180MW of new projects are also set to begin construction in 2025, giving even more businesses the chance to switch to sustainable power.Investec plays a vital role in the Ilikwa project, providing development, debt, and equity finance. Mainstream holds a 70% equity stake, with Investec taking a 30% share. The Ilikwa solar PV plant, located in Free State province, is already under construction and is expected to become operational by early 2026. This milestone marks Mainstream’s second successful private PPA-based solar plant within the past year, showcasing the company’s commitment to empowering businesses with clean energy solutions. #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #GreenEnergy #SouthAfrica #MainstreamRenewable #EnergyInnovation #SustainableBusiness #CleanEnergyFuture #FlexibleEnergy #SolarEnergySolutions #CommercialPPAs #IlikwaSolar #InvestecPartnership

Low Carbon Powers Up the UK’s Clean Energy Revolution with 133MW of Solar Projects 

Low Carbon has successfully brought to life four large-scale solar farms across the UK, adding an impressive 133MW of green energy to the nation’s power grid. This major milestone is a significant step forward in helping the UK meet its ambitious climate goals. Leading the charge is Low Carbon’s Layer Solar Farm in Essex, delivering 49.9MW of clean electricity through its cutting-edge infrastructure, complete with a newly constructed 132kV substation. This powerhouse project is set to energize the region, connecting sustainable energy directly to the grid.

The energisation doesn’t stop there! The other three solar assets—23MW Crouch, 25MW Maldon Wycke, and 35MW Links solar farms—are now online, collectively bolstering the UK’s decarbonisation strategy and paving the way for a greener future.  This latest achievement comes hot on the heels of a momentous summer for Low Carbon. In July, the company secured development consent for its 500MW Gate Burton Energy Park in Lincolnshire—one of the UK’s most significant solar projects to date. Adding to its success, Low Carbon recently won 180MW of new solar capacity in the government’s Contracts for Difference AR6 auction, further cementing its role as a key player in the renewable energy sector.  “Our dedicated team has made excellent progress in recent months, bringing our projects to fruition and delivering a major boost to the grid,” said Low Carbon CEO and founder, Roy Bedlow. “The UK just became the first G7 country to eliminate coal power, and we’re proud to contribute to this landmark achievement. With more projects coming online soon, we are committed to helping the government achieve its 2030 Clean Power Mission.”  Over the past year, Low Carbon’s operational assets have produced over 120GWh of renewable energy worldwide, a vital contribution to the fight against climate change. As the world pushes for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, Low Carbon’s efforts are lighting the way. #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #NetZero #CleanEnergy #ClimateAction #Sustainability #Decarbonisation #GreenFuture #EnergyRevolution

Entergy Arkansas Powers Up with 100MW Walnut Bend Solar Plant, Boosting Clean Energy for the State

Entergy Arkansas has officially brought its newest solar power project, the 100MW Walnut Bend Solar Energy Center, online! Located in Lee County, Arkansas, the Walnut Bend facility is set to generate clean, renewable energy for thousands of homes and businesses, marking a significant step in the utility’s green energy journey.  The project was acquired from Invenergy, a leader in clean energy development, which spearheaded the design, engineering, and construction of the facility. Entergy Arkansas President and CEO Laura Landreaux highlighted the impact of this addition, noting, “Walnut Bend is a valuable part of our generation fleet, complementing our diverse energy mix that has powered Arkansas for over a century.”

Cutting-Edge Solar Technology

Walnut Bend Solar isn’t just any solar farm—it features bifacial solar panels and advanced sun-tracking technology. These bifacial panels capture sunlight on both sides, utilizing the reflected light from the ground to enhance efficiency. Paired with a tracking system that tilts the panels throughout the day to follow the sun, this setup maximizes energy output. This cutting-edge tech ensures that Walnut Bend delivers maximum energy production and contributes to keeping rates low for Entergy Arkansas customers. 

A Boost for the Local Economy

The Walnut Bend facility will generate an estimated $700,000 in annual property taxes for Lee County, providing a steady revenue stream to support the local community. Arkansas Senator Ron Caldwell expressed his support, saying, “I am pleased to welcome Walnut Bend Solar to my district.”

Building a Brighter Future

The Walnut Bend Solar Energy Center is the fourth solar facility Entergy Arkansas has brought online, joining Stuttgart Solar (81MW), Chicot Solar (100MW), and Searcy Solar (100MW). Combined, these four facilities generate a powerful 381MW of clean energy, driving the state closer to a sustainable, emission-free energy future. But Entergy Arkansas isn’t stopping there! Later this year, it plans to launch 430MW of additional solar capacity, including West Memphis (180MW) and Driver (250MW). By next year, two more massive projects—Flat Fork (200MW) and Forgeview (200MW)—will come online, pushing Entergy Arkansas’s solar capacity even higher. 

Powering Communities, Preserving the Environment

With a total investment exceeding $300 million and expected net customer benefits of over $170 million throughout the lifespan of these facilities, Entergy is not just generating power—it’s generating value for the entire community. Invenergy’s Chief Development Officer Mick Baird emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “Walnut Bend is another example of our commitment to building successful clean energy solutions and supporting Entergy’s growing solar portfolio.” As the utility brings more solar facilities online, Entergy Arkansas is setting the stage for a brighter, cleaner future for the Natural State, positioning itself as a leader in the renewable energy transition. #SolarPower #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Arkansas #EntergyArkansas #Invenergy #Sustainability #GreenTech #SolarInnovation #CleanPower #FutureOfEnergy #BifacialPanels #EnergyEfficiency #ClimateAction #CommunityInvestment #PoweringCommunities