SSE’s 101MW Yellow River wind farm in Rhode, County Offaly, Ireland is producing first power.
The landmark moment for the project comes following the successful connection and energisation of Yellow River wind farm (pictured) onto Ireland’s national grid by EirGrid.
Engineering and technical teams from developer SSE Renewables, system operator EirGrid, high voltage electrical engineering contractor Suir Engineering and civils contractor Farrans Construction collaborated to connect and energise the project’s 29 Nordex N117/3600 wind turbines and associated Knockdrin 110kV substation to the existing Derryiron 110kV transmission station nearby.
With first power now achieved, testing of turbines will take place over the coming months ahead of reaching full power and entering commercial operations, expected in early 2025.
The electricity output from the wind farm will help contribute to Ireland’s 2030 renewable energy targets while delivering homegrown and secure clean power for Irish energy consumers.
All the wind farm’s installed capacity has been contracted under a 16.5-year RESS 3 contract for low carbon power from the Irish Government.
Heather Donald, director of onshore wind, solar, battery (GB and Ireland), for SSE Renewables, said: ”We’re delighted to have successfully energised the Yellow River project and to be producing clean electricity from the heart of the Midlands.
“Reaching first power at Yellow River successfully delivers another 101MW of clean energy supply to help meet Ireland’s climate targets.
“We now look forward to working with our project partners to complete commissioning over the coming months, ahead of entering commercial operations in the months ahead and beginning production of secure, homegrown renewable energy supply for Irish homes and businesses.”
EirGrid’s chief infrastructure officer, Michael Mahon, said: “EirGrid’s successful energisation of Knockdrin 110kV substation, connecting Yellow River Wind Farm is another step towards decarbonising Ireland’s electricity grid.
“Ireland is fortunate with abundant renewable energy resources and harnessing these resources is critical in helping to meet our climate action targets.
“Achievements like this are only possible through close collaboration of stakeholders across the energy industry and we at EirGrid are proud to collaborate with stakeholders on the successful delivery of this project.”
SSE Renewables commenced construction of the Yellow River project in October 2022, with turbine deliveries and installation commencing in December 2023.
At peak delivery, the project supported up to 150 full-time construction phase jobs.
The site will continue to support County Offaly’s job creation and local economy in the project’s final months of delivery.
Yellow River will also deliver a positive impact to the local community through an annual Community Benefit Fund which is expected to provide funding for local initiatives, projects, clubs and amenities for the 16.5-year duration of the RESS contract.