Clonfad Solar Farm Peat Assessment

Geotechnical

Location: Co. Westmeath
Client: Statkraft
Status: Complete
Overall Project Value: €50,000
Start Date: October 2022
End Date: August 2023

Brief Description

The Clonfad Solar Farm project consists of the proposed development of a very large 221 hectare site, comprising agricultural land. Besides the large study area, the site poses particular challenges, as parts of it have peat deposits which are quite significant in parts (up to 6 meters in depth). These pose a geotechnical challenge not only for the foundation types and location of infrastructure elements, but also construction methodologies.

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FT Responsibilities

Fehily Timoney and Company Ltd. (FT) was responsible for undertaking a desk study; geotechnical and peat probing walkover; peat stability assessment; scoping, procuring and supervising ground investigation and foundation options for solar panel arrays and supporting infrastructure (substation, MV stations and access roads) at Clonfad Solar Farm. After all ground conditions information was gathered through a walkover and ground investigation (in-situ and laboratory), FT reviewed, analysed and compiled all data collected. The data allowed FT to prepare a technical report on constructability aspects of the various infrastructures on site, particularly for those proposed on areas with deep peat. Proposed solutions included concrete gravity foundations, floated roads, “hung” pipes, peat excavation and deposition, amongst others.

Project Statistics

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6m

Up to 6m of peat thickness

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850+

Peat probing points surveyed

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221 hectares

Study area