Portlaoise Aims to Achieve Sustainable Urban Renewal with Solar Power

A recent study, conducted by Siemens as part of the Ireland 2040 Plan, has proposed the use of a solar power farm at Kyletalesha landfill to supplement power produced by panels on thousands of buildings in Portlaoise. The study found that the town produces 100,000 tonnes of carbon each year, which could be substantially cut by switching to renewable energy from wind turbines and solar panels. The report suggests that Portlaoise's residential area, commercial spaces, and community facilities could be used to meet the required area for 500,000 PV modules, with an additional option to build a smaller solar farm near the town.

Key Takeaways:

• The town of Portlaoise produces 100,000 tonnes of carbon each year, which could be substantially cut by switching to renewable energy.
• The required area for 500,000 PV modules to produce 50 megawatts of power is 830,000 metres squared, which could be met by using Portlaoise's residential area, commercial spaces, and community facilities.
• Portlaoise's residential area has an average roof space of 50 m2 on one side of a roof, accounting for 375,000m2 of the required 830,000 m2.
• Portlaoise town has several large commercial spaces, including a hospital, prison, shopping centre, and schools, with a total space of 280,000 m2 available for PV installation.
• If the required area cannot be achieved locally, a smaller solar farm could be built near the town, with the Kyletalesha Landfill being a potential option.
• An investment of 55 million euros would be needed to generate power in Portlaoise from solar power.
• The Ireland 2040 Plan identifies Portlaoise as a national demonstration project for implementing sustainable and community-driven urban renewal.

Statistics:

• The town of Portlaoise produces 100,000 tonnes of carbon each year.
• The required area for 500,000 PV modules is 830,000 metres squared.
• Portlaoise's residential area accounts for 375,000m2 of the required 830,000 m2.
• The total space available for PV installation in Portlaoise's commercial spaces is 280,000 m2.
• The total available space for PV installation in Portlaoise's community facilities is 145,460 m2.
• An investment of 55 million euros would be needed to generate power in Portlaoise from solar power.
• 55 hectares of land at the Kyletalesha Landfill could be used for a solar farm, with 23 hectares consisting of closed landfill cells.

Sources:

• Siemens, "Carbon Footprint Study for Portlaoise" (no date provided)
• Ireland 2040 Plan (no date provided)
• "Portlaoise aims to achieve sustainable urban renewal with solar power" by Legal Monitor Worldwide (2021)