The Ballinagree wind farm, situated between Millstreet and Macroom in County Cork, Ireland has secured planning approval.
The development is a 50:50 joint venture (JV) between FuturEnergy Ireland, a Coillte-ESB partnership, and Danish developer Ørsted.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The project, featuring 16 wind turbines reaching heights of 185m, will generate up to 112MW of renewable energy.
The wind farm is expected to power 73,000 homes annually and offset 3.5 million tonnes (mt) of CO₂ emissions over its lifetime, compared to traditional electricity generation methods.
FuturEnergy Ireland portfolio director Mary Lynch stated: “The FuturEnergy Ireland team welcomes the planning grant received for Ballinagree wind farm, which deepens our commitment to delivering renewable energy to Ireland and driving meaningful progress towards our climate action targets in collaboration with our co-development partner Ørsted.
“This supply of locally produced green energy will bring long-term benefits to the local community, including the establishment of a community benefit fund of up to €580,000 per annum for the first 15 years of operation. Together with Ørsted, we look forward to delivering this project, which will contribute towards a greener, more energy-resilient future for all.”
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataSubject to grid connection delivery and final investment approval, the wind farm could be operational by 2030.
The timeline aligns with Ireland’s target of sourcing 80% of its electricity from renewables by the same year.
Ørsted senior director of development and operations UK and Ireland TJ Hunter stated: “This is an exciting moment for us in the development of Ballinagree wind farm. This is a significant investment for us and our JV partners FuturEnergy Ireland, and adds to our portfolio of 21 wind farms already in operation.
“Cork is a thriving hub for renewables, and we are committed to playing a role in continuing to see growth in that regard. Along with Ballinagree, we are working on our solar farm Ballinrea, located between Carrigaline and Cork City, as well as Coom Green Energy Park near Bottlehill. It’s hugely encouraging to see this all progressing just a stone’s throw from our offices.”
Ørsted and FuturEnergy Ireland are committed to keeping the local community informed as the project advances.
The next phase involves applying to EirGrid for a grid connection, a crucial step towards realising the project’s potential.
In early 2024, SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland submitted a planning application for the 122MW Cummeennabuddoge wind farm in Ireland to An Bord Pleanala, Ireland’s national independent planning body.
The proposed wind farm, with the capacity to power 81,900 homes annually, would be situated 5km northwest of Ballyvourney on the border of Counties Cork and Kerry.
