Ireland’s first solar-powered electric vehicle charging hub was unveiled at Galway’s Westside Community Centre in Galway.

This ground-breaking Electric Skyline project – in collaboration with Galway City Council and energy technology partner Arbarr – represents a major step forward for sustainable transport infrastructure in Ireland and is already attracting attention from commercial and public sectors nationwide.

Officially opened by Minister of State Seán Canney and Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Mike Cubbard, the Westside EV Charging Hub combines solar generation, smart battery storage, and advanced load management to deliver a flexible, cost-effective EV charging solution without the need for a major grid upgrade.

“This hub is a shining example of how innovation and collaboration can drive climate action at a local level,” said Minister Canney.

“Thanks to ZEVI’s support, we’re seeing what is possible when we invest in smarter, greener infrastructure. This is a proud moment not just for Galway, but for communities across the country who will benefit from this model in the future.”

Mayor Cubbard said he was delighted to see reduced cost electric car charging being introduced in Westside.

“I’m particularly delighted for people living in apartments or with no driveways who would like to switch to an EV but are concerned about where they could charge their vehicle, or the cost of commercial charging,” he said.

“Taxi drivers will also be invited to avail of a reduced rate for fast charging their vehicles, to support a transition to EV vehicles in the city.”

The six spaces are fully accessible so will cater to all mobility users, with significantly cheaper rates available for up to one hour of charging.

What sets the Westside hub apart is its energy independence and adaptability. Instead of relying on an expensive upgrade to the local electricity supply, Electric Skyline and Arbarr engineered a novel system that works with the existing 40kVA grid connection.

A 150kW Battery Energy Storage System powers the chargers, with energy sourced during the day from 90 rooftop solar panels and during the night from cheaper off-peak electricity.

The system intelligently balances energy loads in real-time, ensuring the building’s daily operations continue uninterrupted while simultaneously powering the EV chargers.

The smart control system prevents overloads and maximises renewable usage, with the added benefit of exporting surplus solar energy back to the grid, creating an additional revenue stream.

This model offers an exciting alternative for settings where traditional EV charger installations are limited by grid constraints or cost barriers.

Whether in retail parks, business campuses, or community centres, the Westside approach offers a scalable blueprint for cleaner transport powered by smart, local energy systems.

The project was made possible through funding from ZEVI – Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland – a government initiative under the Department of Transport tasked with accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles across the country.

Pictured: Minister Seán Canney officially opening the Westside EV Charging Hub, joined by James McCorley from Arbarr, and Brendan Reilly and Andrew Glennon of Electric Skyline.