Statkraft has confirmed that ESB Networks (ESBN) has energised the sub-station on Taghart wind farm, making it the country’s first new RESS wind farm to reach energisation.
The project is due to be fully commissioned and connected to the grid in the coming months.
The 7-turbine, 23MW wind farm in Co. Cavan was one of the first renewable energy projects in the country to qualify for the Government’s Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS-1) back in 2020.
Statkraft Ireland managing director Kevin O’Donovan said: “This is a really significant milestone not just for Statkraft, but also for Ireland, as we officially see the first RESS wind farm being energised.
“This project will ensure that clean, sustainable energy is provided to the people of Ireland, helping to power business, homes, and communities.
“We are very committed to helping Ireland reach its climate action targets and this is a positive step on our path to 80% renewable energy by 2030.”
Wind Energy Ireland chief executive (pictured: right) Noel Cunliffe added: “Every wind farm we connect means fewer carbon emissions, cheaper electricity and is another step on the road to energy independence.
“The team at Statkraft deserve huge credit for getting this project over the line so quickly and it demonstrates the importance of accelerating the delivery of onshore renewables.
“With a stronger electricity grid and a properly funded planning system we can connect more wind farms to join Taghart in powering homes and communities across Ireland.”
Statkraft Ireland head of wind and solar development Donal O’Sullivan (pictured: left) added: “Work on Taghart Wind Farm commenced in 2021, and we have worked very hard to progress it as efficiently as possible.
“This is just one project in Statkraft’s portfolio of RESS-1 construction portfolio – totalling 333MW of renewable energy.
“In addition to that we were successful with a further three solar and one wind project in the second RESS auction this year.
“We thank all of the contractors involved on the projects, as well as our colleagues in ESBN for their support in getting to this vital stage.
“We look forward to more projects being energised and connected to the grid in the coming months.”
Taghart Wind Farm was granted planning permission in 2017 and is expected to be fully operational by November 2022.
It is also expected to have a significant Community Benefit Fund in the region of €160,000 per year for the local community.
Statkraft entered the Irish market in 2018 and since then has more than doubled its workforce and tripled its development portfolio.
It develops, owns, and operates renewable energy projects across the technologies of onshore wind, offshore wind, solar, battery storage and grid services.