About the Project
​BNRG Bracklone is a 32MW* solar farm in the rural townlands of Coolnafearagh and Kilmullen on the Kildare-Laois county border.
The 52 hectare solar farm will consist of a low-density installation of PV panels covering c. 26%* of the total land holding.​
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Industry-leading environmental, landscape and archaeological conservation is at the centre of our solar development.
Location
The solar farm sits across 2 nearby sites and will be connected via underground 20kV cabling:
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The 35-hectare site in Coolnafearagh, Co. Kildare, is three discrete parcels of land that are well-sheltered, screened by woodland, bog and other farmland as well as by existing fencing along the L7176 road.
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The Co. Laois site is 17 hectares, located c. 2km east of the new EirGrid Bracklone 110kV substation on the outskirts of Portarlington, just off the R420 to the front and surrounded by farmland and the inter-city rail line to its rear. ​​
Project Overview
Owner developer:
Output: 32MW* of solar energy
Homes: Powering the equivalent of 6,000* household energy needs
Carbon emissions saved: 9,000* tonnes of carbon emissions saved annually
Community funding: €800,000* new community funding
*Estimates only
About the Project
BNRG Bracklone is committed to providing clean, green energy while protecting the local environment and wildlife.​
Excellent location for solar
Specially selected for its suitability for solar development, BNRG Bracklone sits on rural, well-sheltered and low-lying land with good proximity to the national grid.
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Careful screening to preserve the landscape
The local topography, combined with hedgerows, buffer zones, solar panel set-backs from public roads and new planting and fencing, will help screen the low-lying solar array panels. Surrounding fields will also act as visual screening.
Read more about this here​
Environmental and wildlife conservation
Industry-leading ecological and biodiversity conservation is at the core of our development. By bringing together best-in-class experts, we can ensure BNRG Bracklone meets the highest standards in environmental preservation. Read more about our environmental conservation here
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Protecting cultural heritage
Kildare and Laois are important historical areas. We will conduct a range of archaeological assessments to ensure the rich local heritage is protected, including historic sites such as Kilmullen House and Bergins Bridge. Read more about this here​
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Agricultural practice
Once operational, the land underneath the solar panels may be used for agriculture, typically as grazing land for sheep. This is a common practice across solar farms, helping to manage grassland and supporting local agricultural use.​​​​​​
​Connecting to the national grid​
Connection to the national grid will be via a 20kV line, tail-fed from the solar development to the Bracklone 110kV substation which is located on the outskirts of Portarlington. ​​A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will be housed on-site to ensure a reliable solar energy supply, and meet the highest of international safety standards.
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​Due to the small size of the solar development, two mini substations will connect the solar farm to the existing 20kV network. They will be inaudible from outside the solar farm and housed in an agricultural-style building, designed to blend in with the local landscape.
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A minimal impact and quick build
This will be a quick build project, expected to take under 12 months.​​
Planning application​
​Public consultation
Prior to submitting a planning application, BNRG Bracklone will host a public consultation to hear local community views and answer any queries.
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​Planning application​
Following a public consultation, a planning application will be submitted to Kildare and Laois County Councils for a solar array, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), cabling and two discrete mini substations. The review period for each County Council is 8 weeks.​​
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Build
Depending on the outcome of the planning application and procurement, construction is likely to take place during 2026-2027. ​As the solar panels are located on private lands there will be minimal disruption during the 12-month build, with limited heavy construction time and access to local houses, farms and businesses maintained.
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Operational
Following the approximate 12-month construction period, BNRG Bracklone is expected to become operational in 2028.
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At the end of the lifecycle of BNRG Bracklone, the solar panels and their supports will be dismantled and recycled.
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What is solar energy?Solar energy is a type of renewable energy that converts sunlight into a usable energy in the form of electricity.
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How does a solar development work?Solar developments, sometimes referred to as ‘solar farms’, are a type of renewable energy project designed to supply power to homes and businesses. When the sunlight hits the surface of a solar panel, electrons in the solar panel cells collide and generate a current. This current can then be transformed and transferred to the electricity grid, supplying power to customers.
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What makes this site suitable for solar energy?Unlike solar panels installed on private dwellings, solar developments must connect to nearby energy infrastructure so that the power they generate can be supplied to the grid and subsequently distributed. BNRG Bracklone has been carefully selected as a site suitable for solar development. Sitting on 52 hectares of rural, low-lying and sheltered land, it is strategically located near the national grid and new EirGrid Bracklone 110kV substation. Low-lying solar panels will be bordered by enhanced hedgerows and surrounding fields that act as buffer zones. Solar sites must meet statutory regulations and be developed in accordance with all applicable planning requirements.
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Will I be able to see the solar farm?In general, solar panels are approximately 10-15 feet and low-lying. For BNRG Bracklone, the local topography, combined with hedgerows, buffer zones, solar panel set-backs from public roads and new planting and fencing, will help screen the solar array panels.
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Why are solar energy systems important for communities?Solar energy provides electricity to homes and businesses using only the sun's rays. This renewable energy does not use fossil fuels, is a quiet neighbour to nearby farms, fields, and homes, and does not generate emissions, traffic, or odour. Solar energy is a cost-effective, clean green energy source. Ireland has set a target of generating 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Solar energy is projected to be a major contributor to this target. BNRG Bracklone will help meet these national targets by delivering 32MW of clean solar energy.
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Will the solar farm affect the local wildlife and habitats?BNRG Bracklone is committed to protecting the local environment. A range of assessments and surveys will identify areas of conservation and inform the design of the solar farm. We will ensure that this solar farm supports biodiversity and wildlife during its operation. Solar farms often provide shelter to wildlife, whilst sheep and medium-sized livestock grazing may take place on the land.
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How will you protect local heritage and archaeology?Kildare and Laois are important historical areas. With a focus on preserving local heritage, an Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Assessment will survey historical sites of interest. Across both sites, all local heritage and archaeological features will be mapped and mitigations put in place, as necessary. In the pre-construction phase, an archaeologist will also be on site to carry out a full assessment of the potential impacts of the development.
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How will construction and traffic be managed during the build?As the solar panels are located on private lands, there will be minimal disruption during the 12-month build, with limited heavy construction time and access to local houses, farms and businesses maintained. A comprehensive Traffic Management Plan will be submitted as part of the planning process to ensure that steady traffic flow can continue throughout the construction phase of the solar development. Our Community Liaison Officer David Linnane will be available to respond to any queries during the construction phase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have your say
We will hold a public information clinic on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 at Portarlington Community Centre to hear your views and talk through the development. For more information, click here
Stay informed
If you wish to know more about BNRG Bracklone, please reach out to our dedicated Community Liaison Officer (CLO), David Linnane here
Public consultation
We want to hear your views on the proposed solar development.
We will hold a public consultation clinic on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 at Portarlington Community Centre. Please sign up here if you wish to attend.
News
We are committed to keeping you informed about BNRG Bracklone.
Latest project news is available to view here