Plans lodged for second phase of Antrim solar farm capable of powering more than 5,000 homes

A planning application has been lodged with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for a proposed second phase of a solar farm at Dublin Road, outside Antrim, which developers say could generate enough electricity to power more than 5,000 homes.

The proposal is for a 20MW solar farm and associated infrastructure, including ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on support frames, two transformer cabins, fencing, CCTV cameras, an internal service road, landscaping, and ancillary site and access works.

The application has been submitted by an agent on behalf of H6 Energy Ltd, Draperstown, for a 17-hectare site south of 99 Dublin Road.

A supporting planning, design and access statement submitted with the application said the proposal represents phase two of a solar PV farm development set within a wider site of almost 80 hectares.

The report noted the proposed location is currently used for sheep grazing and stated that views of the site from the public road are “limited”.

Site plans for a proposed solar farm off the Dublin Road in Antrim.

According to the statement, the proposed solar panels will be composed of photovoltaic cells designed to “maximise the absorbency of the sun’s rays and minimise solar glare”, with rows positioned just over three metres apart to “maximise electricity generation into the winter months”.

The report added:

“This spacing allows for maintenance access to the panels and allows for sunlight to reach field areas beside and beneath the panels, allowing grass to grow. The field can be managed through sheep grazing and retain a green or grassed character which can be used for agricultural purposes.”

It went on to state that the proposed development would “contribute to the diversification of the regional energy mix through the generation of electricity from a renewable solar resource, thereby supporting Northern Ireland’s transition towards a low-carbon economy”.

The report continued:

“In this regard, the proposal will make a positive contribution towards meeting renewable energy and climate change targets at a regional level, whilst also enhancing energy resilience.”

“A solar farm development therefore represents a key component of renewable energy infrastructure, enabling the direct generation of low-carbon electricity. The proposed solar farm will contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuel generation by supplying renewable electricity to the grid.”

Addressing electricity infrastructure, the report stated:

“To transport electricity where it is needed, we must strengthen the grid in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area, and solar is a means of providing more locally distributed generation closer to areas of demand.”

Developers estimate the scheme could deliver annual carbon dioxide savings of approximately 2,382 tonnes while generating enough electricity to meet the demand of around 5,191 homes.

The statement concluded:

“Overall, the proposed solar farm will enhance energy security, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and support the growth of renewable energy generation at scale, delivering measurable environmental and economic benefits.”