More than €1 billion could be invested in onshore wind energy by Bord na Móna and SSE Renewables, in a new partnership announced today (Thursday, March 28).
The partnership is targeted to develop up to 800MW of new renewable energy projects, enough to provide power to over 450,000 homes.
It aims to accelerate delivery against Ireland’s overall 2030 climate targets.
The onshore wind farm projects to be developed as part of the portfolio will include: Lemanaghan Wind Farm in north-west Offaly; Littleton Wind Farm in Co. Tipperary; and Garryhinch Wind Farm on the Laois Offaly border.
The three projects have the potential to collectively deliver approximately 250MW of new renewable energy generation for Ireland.
The joint venture also intends to progress a portfolio of future development prospects, which will represent up to 550MW of additional new onshore wind energy.
The partnership has the potential to support hundreds of jobs across the midlands during construction and operation of the onshore wind projects.
Welcoming the delivery targets, Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan said it will play a “crucial role” in reaching delivery targets.
“We need to see more partnerships and large-scale projects like this coming on – moving forward to end our dependence on fossil fuels and secure energy independence for Ireland,” Minister Ryan said.
Once operational, each wind farm will have an associated Community Benefit Fund to invest in local communities across the midlands.
If all projects are delivered, it will provide an annual multi-million-euro contribution to local communities neighbouring the projects right across the midlands region.
Bord na Móna chief executive Tom Donnellan said: “The portfolio of projects contained within this joint venture will be developed through a lease agreement at sites across Bord na Móna’s landbank.”
Managing director of SSE Renewables, Stephen Wheeler said the projects will “support” regional economies and jobs, “generate” new homegrown energy for Irish consumers, and provide supports to local communities.