Friday 19 September 2025

ESB has announced the energisation of its first wholly-owned solar farm; Bullstown Solar Farm, located in Co Meath as part of the group’s ambition to develop 1.2 GW of solar by 2030. 

Construction of the multimillion-euro solar farm commenced on the 44-acre site in January 2024. Now energised, Bullstown Solar Farm will generate 8.4MW, enough to power more than 2,000 homes per year. The project was delivered for ESB by partners Greencells and Powercomm. 

Thomas Sutton, landowner.

Following the energisation of the site, ESB is set to launch the Bullstown Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund in early 2026, which will distribute grants to organisations in the local area.  

'Committed to expanding our solar energy portfolio'

Eoin Naughton, solar development manager at ESB, said: “As part of our Net Zero by 2040 strategy, we are committed to expanding our solar energy portfolio.

"Over the past year, solar energy production has experienced exponential growth, and Bullstown marks a significant milestone in our journey toward delivering 1.2GW of solar capacity by 2030. This energisation is just the first of many solar projects we will deliver – supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future whilst bolstering our energy independence.” 

Thomas Sutton, landowner of Bullstown Solar Farm, said: “Having a solar farm on my land was an easy choice to make. It provides a steady income and allows me to contribute to cleaner energy. 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.” 

Tymora Freeman Stannett, engineering and major projects ESB; Thomas Sutton, landowner; and Andrew Dunne, generation and trading ESB.

ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy includes a commitment to deliver more than a fivefold increase in renewable generation to 5,000MW, with solar playing an important part in this alongside offshore and onshore wind, battery and green hydrogen projects. Bullstown Solar Farm forms part of ESB’s pipeline of utility-scale solar farms throughout the midlands, south and southeast of the country.