BNRG TO SEEK PLANNING FOR 120MW SOLAR FARM NEAR SHESSY IN SOUTH GALWAY

Public Consultation and Information Programme commences

Solar Farm would generate sufficient renewable energy to power over 23,500 homes

Irish owned BNRG, a pioneer in clean renewable energy, today announces its intention to seek planning permission for a 120MW solar farm near Shessy in south Galway. The proposed BNRG Shessy project would generate sufficient clean green energy to power over 23,500 homes whilst reducing carbon emissions by over 35,000 tonnes annually, relative to fossil fuel. Solar energy will be a key contributor to Ireland’s green energy transition.

Located in a rural south Co. Galway between Kinvara, Ballinderreen and Gort, the proposed 148 hectares solar farm will straddle two parcels of land across the townlands of Cahercarney, Drumharsna South, Shessy South, Shessy North and Lydacan.

BNRG Shessy is today announcing the commencement of a Public Consultation and Information Programme that will take place over the coming months. Its objective is to inform the local community about the project and to obtain feedback to ensure a best-in-class project.

A public information and consultation clinic will take place in Kinvara Community Centre on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 from 3.00 pm – 6.30 pm. This clinic will provide an opportunity to meet experts from BNRG and specialist engineering and environmental consultants TOBIN Consulting Engineers. A website with project information is also available at www.bnrgshessy.com alongside contact details for the project’s dedicated Community Liaison Officer.

The proposed location has been selected for its strong solar resource, discrete low-lying lands, proximity of the various land holdings to one another (requiring minimal underground cabling or disruption) and importantly, its proximity to the national grid via the 110kV EirGrid line between Ennis and Cashla. The local topography, combined with planned hedgerows, buffer zones, solar panel setbacks from public roads, and new planting and fencing, will help screen the low-lying solar array panels.

The solar farm is expected to displace upwards of 35,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, relative to electricity generated from fossil fuels. Rigorous environmental, archaeological and ecological assessments are planned to ensure a best-in-class solar farm that on completion will remain suitable for ongoing agricultural use, primarily as grazing land for sheep.

The promoters plan to retain and enhance hedgerows for screening purposes and are also placing significant focus on biodiversity across, birds, bats, mammals and flora and fauna. Specialist bat surveys are being undertaken to assess the presence or absence of bat species and their roosts, including the Lesser Horseshoe Bat and these will be undertaken during the optimum summer months.

Subject to planning and participation in a Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction, BNRG would expect to establish a Community Benefit Fund in which locals would be invited to participate and to have their say in how the estimated €3.12m community fund would be invested over time. This fund equates to approximately €210,000 per annum over 15 years once the solar farm has been constructed and is generating energy.

Following a comprehensive public consultation and information programme and completion of a wide range of independent environmental and engineering assessments and reports, BNRG expects to apply to Galway County Council for planning permission for BNRG Shessy and associated battery storage and cabling, during the summer of 2025.  Subject to planning, construction works would take up to 9 months, followed by low impact commissioning works lasting 3 to 6 months. Local suppliers will be encouraged to tender. Subject to the outcome of the planning process and a subsequent procurement and tendering process, construction would likely occur during 2027-2028 with scope for the solar farm to be operational in 2029.