The approximately 70MWp solar project reached commercial operation on 30 July 2026, with the transaction completing on 27 August 2026. Located across approximately 70 hectares, Clonin North comprises around 113,000 solar panels and is capable of generating clean electricity for an estimated 10,000 Irish homes each year.
The project is supported under Ireland’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, RESS 2.
The transaction was structured as a forward sale, with the share purchase agreement entered into in April 2025 while the project remained under development. Completion of the transaction followed the achievement of commercial operation.
The sale represents the final stage of a wider 272MWp Irish solar portfolio divestment on which we advised Highfield Solar and ib vogt. We announced the completion of the other elements of that portfolio transaction earlier this year.
Commenting on the deal, William Dillon-Leetch, Corporate Partner, said:
Forward sale structures can provide developers with greater transaction certainty while allowing projects to continue through construction towards commercial operation. We worked closely with Highfield Solar throughout that process and were pleased to support the team through the final stages of the transaction and successful completion of the sale to ESB.”
Eoin Cassidy, Partner and Energy Sector Lead, added:
Bringing major renewable energy projects from development through construction and into operation remains central to meeting Ireland’s growing electricity requirements. Clonin North adds approximately 70MWp of operational solar capacity to the Irish market and demonstrates the continued ability of developers to deliver large-scale RESS-backed projects.”
Transaction team
Our team was led by William Dillon-Leetch alongside:
- Eoin Cassidy, Partner, Construction, Infrastructure & Utilities
- Stephen Cowhey, Partner, Real Estate
- Conor Lynch, Partner, Project Finance
- Kevin Mangan, Partner, Co-Head of Tax
They were supported by:
- Conor Irvine, Senior Associate, Construction, Infrastructure & Utilities
- Carl Grenville, Senior Associate, Tax
- Naomi Murphy, Senior Associate, Corporate
- Marie Jennings, Associate, Corporate
- Paula Sales, Associate, Construction, Infrastructure & Utilities
- Thomas Matz, Associate, Financial Services
For more information and expert advice on renewable energy transactions, contact a member of our Construction, Infrastructure & Utilities or Corporate teams.
