Irish renewable energy developer Highfield Solar has announced what it terms as one of the largest solar power purchase agreements (PPA) in Ireland to date. It has bagged the deal for 276 MW PV capacity to supply power to global technology giant Meta Platforms.
Under the deal, Meta will source solar power from Highfield's 2 solar farms in Meath and Wexford for its local operations in the country, including its Clonee located data center. The official announcement does not specify the duration of the PPA.
Both the projects are already operational and connected to the grid, having been originated and financed by Highfield Solar which is a joint venture between Highfield Energy Services and Aura Power.
Commenting on the signing of the 2 corporate PPAs with an estimated investment of €180 million, Meta's Energy Manager Andrew Rudersdorf said, "With one solar farm in Wexford and one in Meath, which is close to our Clonee Data Centre, these agreements significantly contribute to Meta's goals of supporting our operations with 100% renewable energy and achieving net zero emissions for our value chain."
In September 2023, another multinational technology group Google announced a 14-year solar PPA for an 83 MW PV project with Power Capital Renewable Energy (see Google Signs Its Maiden Irish Renewable Energy Deal).
Ireland aims to grow its solar PV capacity to 5 GW by 2025 and raise it to 8 GW by 2030, which is when it should contribute to the overall target of 80% renewable energy consumption in the country.