EDF Renewables has unveiled plans to develop a 50MW wind farm in County Carlow, in the Republic of Ireland.
The proposed Seskin Wind Farm, north-west of Old Leighlin, will be located in the townlands of Seskinrea and Ridge.
EDF Renewables Ireland intends to submit a planning application and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report in support of the project, which could consist of up to seven turbines, to Carlow County Council in late 2022 or early 2023.
Subject to planning permission, the wind farm could be constructed and operational by 2026. Once constructed, a Community Benefit Fund commensurate with the size of the final project will be established to provide funding for local community initiatives and activities.
The project team is now gathering wind data and mapping the environmental constraints on site which will be used to create a preliminary wind turbine layout.
Detailed environmental studies will also be carried out at the site, including ecology, noise, landscape and visual assessments.
The results of these studies, together with feedback gathered in consultation with local communities, will be used to determine the final wind farm layout and number of turbines.
EDF Renewables is currently in discussions with Coillte about the inclusion of sections of Coillte property in the proposal in addition to other third party lands.
A number of public consultation events will take place as the Seskin Wind Farm progresses, either online or in a local venue, depending on COVID-19 guidelines.
Kevin Daly, head of development at EDF Renewables Ireland, said: “Projects like Seskin Wind Farm are crucial to tackling the climate crisis and decarbonising our energy supply, and will contribute to helping Ireland meet its target of delivering 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of this decade.
“Building and maintain good relationships with the local community is always a priority for EDF Renewables wherever we develop projects.
“Seskin Wind Farm will also make a positive contribution to the area in the form of the Community Benefit Fund, which will provide funding for local initiatives and activities.”