Bord na Mona has begun construction of a 75MW wind project in County Offaly in Ireland.
The company’s latest wind farm, located in Cloncreen, is due online in early 2022.
The €100m wind farm is part of the company’s €1.6bn “accelerated development pipeline” of wind and solar projects the developer says will enable it to supply approximately one third of Irish homes with renewable energy by 2030.
Bord na Mona CEO Tom Donnellan said: “Economic recovery, future investment and job creation in Ireland will all be powered with a strong supply of renewable energy.
“The start of construction here in Cloncreen underscores Bord na Mona’s leadership role in the delivery of the nation’s green energy supply using our proven capability in this area and our 80,000 hectare estate.
“We are now on track to be able to supply approximately one third of Irish homes with renewable energy by 2030. This will significantly help Ireland deal with the climate emergency, cut carbon emissions and deliver on green energy targets.”
Bord na Mona received planning permission three years ago for the 21 turbine wind farm located on its peatlands in east Offaly.
The project will create up to 100 jobs during the construction phase.
While Bord na Mona’s landholding at Cloncreen extends to approximately 960 hectares, the wind farm will have a permanent footprint on just 4% of the site area.
Bord na Mona has also committed to deliver a range of benefits for the local community including the provision of 20km of walkways and cycleways through the rehabilitated peatland site.
The company also confirmed that it has signed contracts with Limerick-based H&MV Engineering for the delivery of the electrical balance of plant for Cloncreen.
H&MV Engineering will be responsible for the design, construction and commissioning of the 110 kV substation and associated 110 kV underground cable grid connection.
Bord na Mona also recently signed contracts with Farrans Construction for the delivery of the civil BoP for Cloncreen.
The developer’s pipeline includes the 90MW Derryadd wind farm and 70MW Timahoe solar farm (joint venture).