FuturEnergy Ireland and Ørsted have been granted planning permission for Ballinagree Wind Farm, located between Millstreet and Macroom in Co. Cork.
The development will consist of 16 wind turbines of up to 185 metres in height and is expected to deliver up to 112 MW of renewable energy, which is the equivalent of powering approximately 73,000 homes annually. Over the lifetime of this project, 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 are expected to be offset compared with traditional electricity generation.
Subject to the delivery of a grid connection and final investment approval, Ballinagree Wind Farm could be operational by 2030, thereby potentially making a significant contribution to Ireland’s target of generating 80% of electricity from renewables by 2030.
The development project is a 50:50 joint venture between FuturEnergy Ireland, a Coillte-ESB joint venture, and Danish developer Ørsted. The next step will be applying to EirGrid for a grid connection.
Commenting on the news, Mary Lynch, Portfolio Director at FuturEnergy Ireland, said: “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.”
TJ Hunter, Senior Director, Development & Operations in the UK & Ireland at Ørsted, added: “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 will continue to keep the local community informed as the project progresses through the next stages.
