€320m. north Mayo wind farm officially launched
THE €320 million Oweninny Wind Farm in north Mayo has been officially launched today.
The 50:50 joint venture between the ESB and Bord na Móna is now Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm with an installed capacity of 192MW, which can meet the electricity demand of approximately 140,000 homes.
The project was delivered in two phases. In 2019, 29 turbines were erected while in late 2023, phase two, consisting of 31 turbines, entered commercial operation.
Officiating at the launch, Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, said: “This really is a significant day for Ireland, and for Mayo, as we officially open the country’s largest onshore wind farm.
“This flagship project by ESB and Bord na Móna at Oweninny showcases what we can achieve, and what must be done, to deliver the clean energy we need to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuel.
“The power of our own natural resources is incredible. This wind farm has the potential to power 140,000 homes, and it is just a taste of the green energy revolution to come. I am looking forward to what will come next for wind energy in Ireland, both onshore and offshore along our coasts, as we harness our renewable energy potential.”
Paddy Hayes, ESB chief executive, outlined how the project will help to support ESB’s net zero by 2040 targets: “Oweninny Wind Farm is another important step for ESB and for Ireland towards net zero. Renewable electricity reduces Ireland’s dependence on gas markets and contributes to Ireland’s ambitious climate action plan targets, supporting a net zero future for the customers and communities we serve.”
Tom Donnellan, chief executive, Bord na Móna, commented: “This marks an important milestone for Bord na Móna as it underpins our dedication to operate as climate solutions and renewable energy leader in Ireland following the completion of our brown to green transition at the end of 2023.
“In Ireland, we are putting more renewables on the grid than ever before, which is essential if we are to meet our targets of achieving 80% renewable energy by 2030. Oweninny Wind Farm represents a significant step towards meeting those targets, and we look forward to continued expansion of our wider renewables output to bolster national progress further, including developments across wind, solar, hydrogen and biomass.”
Located between Crossmolina and Bangor Erris, the development adjoins Ireland's first commercial wind farm, Bord na Móna’s Bellacorrick Wind Farm, which was built in 1992 and is still in operation.
During construction of phase two, the wind farm benefited the local economy in Connaught by around €50m. as 100 people were employed each year over a six-year period.
The wind farm has a Community Benefit Fund that will invest approximately €18m. towards not-for-profit organisations such as community and voluntary groups, charities, social enterprises and clubs and societies whose work supports community-based initiatives and improvement projects.
The site also includes a purpose built €3m. visitor interpretative centre that focuses on the science, engineering and technology behind renewable energy while raising awareness of climate change and considering the landscape in which the wind farm is based. It provides insight to the history of power generation, peat production, wind energy development, the bog rehabilitation programme, ecological interests and the social history of the area.