ISEA Statement on Food Security and Solar Energy Development

The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) acknowledges the recent RTE Prime Time programme on the expansion of solar farms in Ireland, the use of agricultural land for solar farms, and the perceived conflict between food security and energy security, aired on 15th August 2024. We welcome the opportunity to clarify that solar energy and traditional farming can coexist effectively, benefiting both energy production and agriculture.

Solar energy is a crucial part of Ireland's strategy to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable rural economies. Achieving our national climate targets and protecting citizens from the volatility of fossil fuel markets requires collective action and greater urgency. As it stands, we need to accelerate our efforts significantly.

Compatibility of Solar Farms with Agricultural Land

The development of solar farms on agricultural land does not necessarily equate to a reduction in food production. Solar projects are carefully planned to ensure they do not interfere with the primary agricultural use of the land. In fact, many solar farms are designed to integrate with agricultural activities, such as sheep grazing beneath solar panels. This approach allows the land to continue contributing to food production while simultaneously generating clean energy.

Moreover, the total land required to meet Ireland’s solar energy targets is minimal—only about 0.2% of Ireland’s agricultural land. This small proportion of land use ensures that the impact on food production is negligible, while the benefits of clean, renewable energy are substantial.

Solar Energy as a Complement to Food Security

Advancements in solar technology have made it highly effective in Ireland, even with our climate. Solar farms generate clean energy while enabling farmers to diversify their income without significantly altering the rural landscape. Rather than viewing food security and energy security as competing interests, we should recognise that they can complement each other. By integrating solar energy into agricultural practices, we create a diversified and resilient rural economy that supports both sustainable energy production and continued agricultural output. This dual-use approach strengthens Ireland’s overall security by reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels and stabilising energy costs, all while maintaining robust food production.

The Importance of Community Engagement

At the heart of successful solar energy development is strong community engagement. The ISEA recognises that local communities are key stakeholders in the renewable energy transition. We believe that transparent and inclusive dialogue is essential to building trust between solar projects and the communities they serve. We encourage developers to engage early and meaningfully with local residents, farmers, and stakeholders to address concerns and foster a collaborative approach to sustainable energy development.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

The ISEA is committed to promoting best practices in solar energy development to enable environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities. In service of this goal, last year we produced industry guidance for solar farm development. We encourage continued dialogue and collaboration to ensure that solar energy contributes positively to Ireland’s future.