By merging the two phases of the Oweninny Wind Farm project, the 50:50 joint venture joint between the organisations, has established Ireland's largest onshore wind farm. With an installed capacity of 192MW, this generates sufficient clean energy to power around 140,000 homes.
The project, delivered in two phases, represents a total investment by ESB and Bord na Móna of €320 million. In 2019, during phase one, 29 turbines were erected. While in late 2023, phase two, consisting of 31 turbines, entered commercial operation. The wind farm is financed by a consortium of banks including AIB, BNP Paribas and the EIB.
Phase two of the wind farm construction greatly benefited Connaught's local economy, generating around €50 million and providing jobs for 100 people each year over six years. The wind farm also established a Community Benefit Fund, allocating approximately €18 million to support not-for-profit organisations such as community groups, charities, and clubs that work on community-based initiatives and improvement projects.
The site has a new Visitor Interpretative Centre costing €3 million. It focuses on renewable energy science, engineering, and technology, while also raising awareness about climate change and the local landscape. Visitors can learn about power generation history, peat production, wind energy development, bog rehabilitation, ecology, and the area's social history.
-- Advertisement --
Eamon Ryan TD, 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 windfarm 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, stated: "Oweninny Wind Farm is another important step for ESB and for Ireland towards Net Zero. I would like to commend Bord na Móna for their partnership approach as we worked together to deliver what is now Ireland’s largest wind farm. Oweninny builds on our longstanding history of delivering projects of scale in North Mayo and the wider West of Ireland region. 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: "We are delighted to launch our joint venture with ESB and officially conclude the second phase of Ireland’s largest wind farm. 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."
