Statkraft has confirmed that construction will begin at Cushaling Wind Farm in counties Offaly and Kildare in January 2023.
The nine-turbine 56MW development will mark the first use in the Irish market of the Vestas V162-6.2 MW EnVentus turbines.
The delivery and installation of the wind turbines are expected to occur in the first quarter of 2024 with the commissioning scheduled for the second quarter of 2024.
The turbines, which have a tip height of 185 metres and will be the largest on any wind farm in Ireland, will maximise the potential of the local wind energy resource, Statkraft said.
The order with Vestas includes supply, installation, and commissioning of the turbines, as well as a 35-year service agreement.
Statkraft will fund and manage the construction of the wind farm and will operate it when it is complete.
Local community commitments in relation to the wind farm include a 3 km amenity trail, which will feature a range of opportunities for biodiversity enhancement, being developed as part of the project.
Donal O’Sullivan, Head of Development at Statkraft Ireland, said: “I would like to acknowledge the great work of the Statkraft Ireland Development team in achieving this milestone.
“Since the start of this process, we have sought feedback from the community to ensure that residents were happy with the layout of this project which has allowed for the very latest turbine technology through the planning process.
“We look forward to building on this positive engagement locally as the project progresses and helps Ireland decarbonise its energy system. An annual Community Benefit Fund of €300,000 will be delivered over the next 15 years, which will support sustainable projects in the locality.”
Cushaling was granted planning permission in 2020 and is expected to be operational in late 2024.
“Vestas is thrilled to deliver its first V162-6.2 MW turbines to Ireland which is a perfect fit to the Irish Midlands and also leverages the versatility and strong performance of the EnVentus platform technology, Vestas’ next generation in the evolution of wind turbine,” said Juan Furones, Vice President Sales for Northern and Central Europe at Vestas.
“Our thanks goes to Statkraft Ireland for their trust in us which is also reflected in a long-term 35-year service contract.
“Driven by the mutual interest of all stakeholders to accelerate the energy transition in Ireland, this project will support the country’s ambition of a more decarbonised economy.”