Thursday 29 July 2021

Project demonstrates the speed at which large energy users can reduce emissions quickly.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) welcomes the opening of the largest solar farm in the Republic of Ireland at the Eli Lilly plant in Cork. SEAI supported this project through its government funded community grants. The new solar farm will see the Eli Lilly plant reduce its carbon footprint by 2,350 tonnes. 

The largest solar farm in the Republic of Ireland at the Eli Lilly plant in Cork

SEAI is working with hundreds of communities across the country, providing them with the knowledge and the means to plan their own ambitious low-carbon pathway.

This landmark development at Eli Lilly illustrates how communities and enterprise working together can deliver ambitious projects that will provide sustainable energy and help towards achieving Ireland's clean energy transition.

William Walsh, CEO of SEAI

William Walsh, CEO of SEAI said: “The development of this solar farm by Eli Lilly and Enerpower illustrates how Ireland is working through a clean energy transition to reduce the use of fossil fuels with sustainable energy. 

"This project is a clear exemplar and shows strong leadership by Eli Lilly and Enerpower. It was one of 39 projects provided with government grants worth €28 million during 2020 and this type of funding ensures these projects can be completed within shorter time frames. Ongoing government support in large scale community energy projects is central to achieving our climate action ambitions.”