Flogas signs a 15-year PPA with Meadhill Solar Farm in Cork, the first project operating under Ireland’s SRESS renewable energy scheme.
Flogas has partnered with a Co Cork solar farm that has become the first project to begin operating under the Government’s Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), marking a significant milestone in Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions.
The 650kW Meadhill Solar Farm in Meadstown, Kildorrery, was independently developed by farmer Sean Keating and installed by PV Generation. The facility features more than 1,000 solar panels across 1.5 acres and generates enough electricity to power approximately 150 local homes each year.
“We see significant potential for this model to support more farmers, SMEs and independent renewable developers across rural Ireland”
Under a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Flogas will provide a long-term route to market for the electricity generated by the solar farm, helping to secure the financial viability of the project and providing certainty for future operations.
The project is also designed as a dual-use agricultural and energy initiative, allowing sheep to continue grazing beneath the solar panels while renewable electricity is generated.
KEY NUMBERS: Meadhill Solar Farm
• 15-year power purchase agreement with Flogas
• 650kW solar generation capacity
• 1,000+ solar panels installed
• 150 households powered annually
• 1.5 acres of solar infrastructure
• 50kW-6MW project range supported under SRESS
• Project development began in 2017
• Sheep grazing maintained alongside electricity generation
Editorial takeaway: The project demonstrates how long-term power agreements and Government support can help farmers diversify income while accelerating Ireland’s small-scale renewable energy rollout.
Farmer-led renewable energy
Ken O’Byrne, managing drector of Flogas Energy, said the project demonstrated how long-term commercial agreements can help bring small-scale renewable developments to life.
“Flogas is proud to partner with Sean Keating on this landmark project and to support Ireland’s first solar farm to energise under SRESS. What makes Meadhill Solar Farm significant is that it shows how a long-term PPA can help a farmer-led renewable project move from an idea on paper to a fully operational asset.
“Our role is to provide the commercial certainty that gives projects like this a route to market and helps unlock the investment needed to bring them forward. We see significant potential for this model to support more farmers, SMEs and independent renewable developers across rural Ireland.”
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Launched last year, the Government’s SRESS programme is designed to support smaller renewable energy developments, including solar and wind projects generating between 50kW and 6MW. The scheme guarantees payments for electricity generated, helping projects secure financing and reach commercial operation.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien said the initiative demonstrates how smaller-scale projects can contribute to Ireland’s energy transition.
“The Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme is an important part of our strategy to increase renewable electricity generation across Ireland and to enable farmers, rural communities and smaller developers to participate in the energy transition.
“Meadhill Solar Farm shows how the right policy framework can help turn locally developed ideas into operational renewable energy projects. As Ireland works towards our climate and renewable energy targets, projects like this will have an important role to play in expanding our renewable generation capacity and supporting a more sustainable energy system.”
The development was created by Sean Keating as a diversification project aimed at strengthening the long-term sustainability of his family farm while contributing to renewable energy generation.
To mark the commencement of operations, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Niall Collins attended an open day hosted by the Keating family at the site.
“For farming families, diversification is increasingly important in building sustainable businesses for the future,” said Collins.
“Meadhill Solar Farm is a practical example of how renewable energy can become part of that story, with Sean Keating continuing to farm the land while creating a new source of income for his family. It demonstrates the opportunities that can arise when farmers are given the means to invest in new areas of enterprise, while ensuring that agriculture remains at the heart of rural communities.”
Keating said the project was the culmination of nearly a decade of planning and development work.
“This project started back in 2017 with a simple vision to diversify our farm’s income and build a sustainable, long-term legacy for my family, and to also do our bit for the environment.
“Bringing it to life required significant work across planning, the ESB grid connection and financing. Support from the Government’s SRESS scheme, along with Flogas coming on board with a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement, was key to making the project bankable.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our project partners Bank of Ireland/SBCI and PV Generation Ltd. It was the support of both, and in particular that of PV Generation Ltd, that was critical in making this milestone possible.
“I’m very proud of what we have achieved and deeply grateful for the support of my family and the local community throughout the journey. It’s my pleasure to be able to share this milestone with both at today’s open day.”
The partnership is expected to provide a model for other farmers, landowners and SMEs seeking to participate in Ireland’s growing renewable energy sector through small-scale solar and other renewable projects.
Image at top: Flogas Energy Managing Director Ken O’Byrne, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Niall Collins, and Meadhill Solar Farm farmer and project manager Sean Keating at Meadhill Solar Farm in Kildorrery, Co Cork
Frequently Asked Questions: Flogas and Meadhill Solar Farm
What is Meadhill Solar Farm?
Meadhill Solar Farm is a 650kW solar energy project located in Meadstown, Kildorrery, Co Cork. Developed by farmer Sean Keating, it is the first solar farm to become operational under Ireland’s Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS).
What is the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS)?
SRESS is a Government scheme designed to support small-scale renewable energy projects, including solar and wind developments. It provides guaranteed payments for electricity generated by eligible projects between 50kW and 6MW.
Why is this solar farm significant?
The project is the first operational solar farm supported under SRESS, demonstrating how farmers and smaller developers can participate in Ireland’s renewable energy transition.
What role does Flogas play in the project?
Flogas has signed a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Meadhill Solar Farm, providing a long-term route to market for the electricity generated by the project.
What is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?
A Power Purchase Agreement is a long-term contract under which an energy buyer agrees to purchase electricity from a renewable energy project at agreed terms, helping provide revenue certainty and support project financing.
How much electricity does the solar farm generate?
The facility generates enough renewable electricity each year to power approximately 150 households.
Can the land still be farmed?
Yes. The project follows an agrivoltaic model, allowing sheep to continue grazing beneath the solar panels while electricity is generated.
How large is the solar farm?
The solar installation covers approximately 1.5 acres and contains more than 1,000 solar panels.
When did development of the project begin?
Sean Keating began developing the project in 2017 as part of a long-term farm diversification strategy.
What does this project mean for Irish farmers and SMEs?
The project provides a practical example of how farmers, landowners and SMEs can diversify income streams by investing in renewable energy while continuing existing business activities.
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