Scottish energy company SSE and Bord na Móna, an Irish state-owned energy company, have formed a joint venture to deliver up to 800MW of new onshore wind energy in Ireland.
Over the next decade, the companies could invest more than €1bn, utilising Bord na Móna lands across the Midlands for new wind projects.
If realised, the 800MW of wind portfolio could generate electricity for roughly 500,000 homes annually and offset 500,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
SSE Renewables, a subsidiary of SSE, is investing about €50m for a 50% equity stake in the onshore wind development portfolio.
SSE Renewables managing director Stephen Wheeler said: “Our operational onshore wind portfolio is the backbone of Ireland’s clean energy transition, and we’re currently building what will be one of Ireland’s newest wind farms, the 101MW Yellow River project in County Offaly.
“Now, through this important new partnership with Bord na Móna, we can accelerate delivery of up to 800MW of new renewable energy generation for Ireland. By working together, our two organisations can deliver vital new onshore wind projects across the Midlands that will support regional economies and jobs, generate new homegrown energy for Irish consumers, while providing crucial supports to local communities across the heartland of Ireland. And in doing so, our partnership will help power the momentum needed for Ireland to meet its climate action goals for 2030 and beyond.”
Bord na Móna CEO Tom Donnellan said: “Together with SSE Renewables we are committing more than €1bn of joint investment in this onshore wind partnership across the Midlands which will deliver up to 800MW of renewable energy for Ireland’s national grid over the coming years, an acceleration of our onshore wind pipeline which was originally due to be delivered post 2030.”
The joint venture includes three pre-planning development projects including Lemanaghan Wind Farm in Offaly, Littleton Wind Farm in Tipperary, and Garryhinch Wind Farm on the Laois-Offaly border. These projects could deliver about 250MW of new renewable energy.
Additionally, the partnership aims to develop up to 550MW of new onshore wind energy through future projects.
The delivery of these projects is contingent upon obtaining planning consent, securing market access, and establishing grid connections.
The two companies will make a final investment decision on each project before proceeding to construction.
SSE Renewables will manage and fund the development up to the planning consent phase, after which both companies will share the funding equally.
Last month, SSE Renewables commenced construction on the 64MW Jubera onshore wind farm in Spain, marking the company's entry into the Spanish onshore wind market.
