Elgin has acquired the 40 MWp Kilderry Solar Farm development in County Kilkenny from BayWa r.e., strengthening its Irish renewable energy portfolio and bringing a consented project under new ownership, according to SolarBytes.

Located approximately 1 km south of Johnswell village, the project covers more than 45 hectares. BayWa r.e. received planning permission from Kilkenny County Council in October 2024, with the development expected to include a 38kV substation. The underground cable connection to the Kilkenny 110kV substation requires a separate planning application, according to the project information.

Elgin is an independent power producer developing, building, owning and operating utility-scale solar and battery storage assets across Ireland, the UK and Italy. The company has a development pipeline exceeding 10 GW and more than 300 MW under construction across the UK and Ireland, according to its official company announcement. Its acquisition strategy combines selective purchases with its own development pipeline to accelerate renewable infrastructure delivery.

The Kilderry transaction follows Elgin’s acquisition of the approximately 200 MW Blackhall Solar Farm development in County Meath. Chief executive Dermot Kelleher said the projects complement existing assets and reflect the company’s ambition to improve project economics through strategically located acquisitions. BayWa r.e. UK managing director Gemma Hamilton said the sale creates an opportunity to accelerate Kilderry towards delivery under Elgin’s ownership. Both executives’ comments are included in Elgin’s announcement.

For facilities management providers, the project represents a potential future opportunity beyond construction. Once operational, a utility-scale solar farm requires ongoing asset management, electrical maintenance, performance monitoring, vegetation control, site security and planned maintenance of associated infrastructure. The substation and grid connection will also require specialist technical oversight. These services will be essential to maintaining equipment reliability, site performance and long-term asset value.

The project also offers a local economic opportunity. BayWa r.e.’s project information outlines the development and its next stages, while Renewables Now reports that Elgin has a substantial pipeline of renewable energy projects. Kilderry could support activity across construction, commissioning and ongoing maintenance, although the timing of construction and the appointment of service providers remain unconfirmed.

For the sector, the lesson is direct: renewable energy investment creates a long-term operational market alongside the initial construction opportunity. As Ireland’s solar pipeline expands, facilities management providers with specialist electrical expertise, preventative maintenance capabilities and strong asset-performance monitoring will be well positioned to support the transition from development projects to dependable, long-term energy infrastructure.

Source: SolarBytes / Elgin / BayWa r.e. / Renewables Now