On Friday, ESB and Bord na Móna marked the finalisation of the largest wind farm in North Mayo, Ireland, boasting an installed capacity of 192 megawatts. This wind farm can provide enough electricity to power approximately 140,000 households. The Oweninny wind farm saw a hefty sum of €320 million being invested in two stages. The first phase in 2019 saw 29 turbines installed, while a further 31 turbines were erected in the second phase, which is now commercially operative. Financial backing for this mammoth project was provided by a bank consortium including AIB, BNP Paribas, and EIB.
Ireland’s Minister for Climate and Energy, Eamon Ryan, has lauded the completion of the project, emphasising its importance in aiding Ireland’s shift away from dependency on foreign fossil fuels. ESB’s chief executive, Paddy Hayes, reiterated that the project plays a critical role in their aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
Furthermore, the CEO of Bord na Móna, Tom Donnellan, cited the project as a significant landmark in their commitment to serve as a leader in renewable energy and climate solutions in Ireland. Currently, the integration of more renewable energy into the national grid is ongoing at an unprecedented rate, which is a necessary step towards the national aim of 80% renewable energy by 2030.
The Oweninny wind farm, which is nestled between Crossmolina and Bangor Erris, is next to Ireland’s inaugural commercial wind farm, Bord na Móna’s Bellacorrick, which has been in operation since 1992. As part of its commitment to local communities, the wind farm has established a community benefit fund that is set to invest €18m in not-for-profit organisations and community initiatives.
The site houses a €3m visitor interpretive centre focused on the science, technology, and engineering related to renewable energy. Simultaneously, it brings to light topics about climate change and the environment in which the wind farm resides.
Recently, Simon Coveney, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, unveiled the country’s inaugural offshore wind energy industrial strategy. This scheme outlines 40 steps aimed at generating 5,000 jobs by 2030.
The broad aim is to exploit the industrial growth potential offered by offshore wind energy production, establishing the future’s ‘clean, green, renewable industries. The scheme’s action points for 2024 and 2025 were formulated in conjunction with other governmental departments and agencies.
On the topic of offshore wind supply chains, the strategy promises to strengthen capacity and capability to hit a 37-gigawatt target by 2050. Doing so will position Ireland favourably in exporting goods and services connected to offshore wind energy. Additionally, it will back research, development, and innovation to ensure Ireland stays at the forefront of new technology and expertise in this sector.
This strategy envisions a balanced regional economic growth, which includes the creation of a series of green energy industrial parks. These could draw in considerable foreign direct investment, foster new domestic green businesses, and serve as proving grounds for green tech innovation.
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