Natural Power has begun service delivery on the nine-turbine 56MW Cushaling wind farm in counties Offaly and Kildare, Ireland.
The company is acting as project manager, owner’s engineer and project supervisor design process (PSDP) on behalf of Statkraft Ireland.
The Cushaling wind farm uses Vestas V162-6.2 MW EnVentus turbines, which have a tip height of 185m and will be the largest on any facility in Ireland – maximising the potential of the local energy resource.
The development was granted planning permission in 2020. The delivery and installation of the turbines is expected in the first quarter of 2024, and commissioning is scheduled for the second quarter of 2024.
Statkraft will fund, build and operate the Cushaling site. As part of the project, an annual Community Benefit Fund of €300,000 will be delivered to support sustainable developments in the area over the next 15 years.
Neil Mullan, Associate Director (Construction) at Natural Power Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Statkraft again to manage the Cushaling project throughout the construction phase.
“Onshore wind maintains its strong trajectory in the Irish renewables market, and projects like Cushaling play a critical role in decarbonising energy supply, safeguarding energy security and contributing to Ireland achieving 80% renewable electricity required under the Climate Action Plan.”
Barry Maher, Project Manager at Statkraft Ireland, said: “Renewable energy projects are now, more than ever, a critical part of Ireland’s net zero targets and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
“Cushaling wind farm is another step towards this goal – and by procuring some of the most productive turbines in the country, will be one of the most efficient.
“It’s great to get this project into construction and to have the experience of Natural Power managing the process to commercial operation. We look forward to working with local businesses and providing the added benefit of the recreational trail to local communities for years to come.”