Renewable Energy Expansion Advances in Ireland, Australia, UK Amid Local Concerns

Several large-scale solar farm projects have recently received planning approvals across different regions, despite some local opposition and concerns. In Meath, Ireland, a 215-hectare solar farm approved by the council has been appealed due to worries about flooding, property devaluation, and visual impact on nearby homes. Tasmania, Australia, is advancing a 288MW solar PV plant aimed at significantly contributing to the state's renewable energy goals, with plans to connect to the National Electricity Market and rehabilitate the site post-operation. In the UK, a 49.9MW solar farm with battery storage near Elwick was unanimously approved, with proponents emphasizing job creation and community benefits, while some residents expressed concerns about scale and landscape impact. Another UK project in Oxfordshire, capable of powering approximately 15,000 homes, was controversially approved after addressing previous traffic and environmental concerns, though local residents remain apprehensive about construction-related disruptions. These developments highlight the balancing act between expanding renewable energy infrastructure and addressing community and environmental considerations.