Kilcullen solar power application part of major utility's plans

A proposed solar farm at the restored landfill at Silliott Hill would provide up to three megawatts of power to the grid, writes Brian Byrne, and would represent a tiny part of the operations of a major UK and Ireland utilities business.

The project is the subject of a planning application by Starrus LFG Limited, and would comprise photovoltaic panels on ground-mounted frames.

The system would be connected to the existing ESB sub-station, and would include transformers, ducting, cables and all ancillary works.

The file number is 18889 and the status of the application so far is 'uncompleted'.

Submissions should be made by 27 August 2018.

Earlier this year, Starrus lodged a planning application with Meath County Council for a similar installation near Navan.

Starrus LFG was bought by Irish waste management company Panda last year, as part of the company's takeover of electricity producer Bioverda. Bioverda extracts waste methane gas from landfill and generates electricity using it. Panda Power is now the name for the electricity generation arm of the business.

Panda is in turn owned by Beauparc, which provides across the UK and Ireland domestic and commercial waste management, renewable energy supply, recycling collection and processing, logistics, green fuels and energy recovery.

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