innogy’s first Irish wind farm starts operation

innogy is constantly growing its Renewables business with its latest commissioning taking place in the Republic of Ireland: One year after purchasing the consented 10.2 megawatts (MW) Dromadda Beg onshore wind project, innogy has completed construction of its first Irish wind farm. The three turbines, situated in County Kerry, are now in the final stage of commissioning.

Following innogy’s strategic decision to develop renewable activities in Ireland and establishing its subsidiary, Innogy Renewables Ireland Ltd, in September 2016, today innogy has also inaugurated a new renewables office in Kilkenny City. From here, a team of eight people is working on renewable project opportunities in Ireland.

“I am very pleased that we have started operation of our first project in Ireland. This is an important milestone to grow in this exciting market. innogy is looking forward to support the ambitious Irish target to generate 70% of electricity from renewables by 2030 with further green projects. As an experienced developer, builder and operator of renewables-based facilities we are delighted to reinforce our commitment to be a trusted partner for Ireland’s energy transition,” says Hans Bünting, Chief Operating Officer Renewables of innogy SE.

“We have been encouraged by recent government announcements on the new renewables electricity support scheme, in particular the support for ‘auctions’ which will enable renewable project operators to compete with each other to supply green electricity to the Irish grid. innogy has considerable experience in competing in such support schemes and has seen significant successes in wind auctions in recent years in Europe. We aim to replicate this in Ireland,” says Cathal Hennessy, Managing Director of Innogy Renewables Ireland.

Further growth in Ireland and other new markets

innogy aims to drive its activities in Ireland through the acquisition of existing wind projects as well as through the development of new projects. The company is not just limited to onshore wind: In March, innogy acquired an equal share of the around 600MW Dublin Array offshore wind development project.

In Europe, innogy is one of the most important operators of wind power plants. The company has recently completed construction of the 353MW Galloper offshore wind farm together with partners and has just started construction of its next offshore wind project at Triton Knoll (860MW). In addition, innogy is currently constructing three new onshore wind farms in the United Kingdom in parallel, with a total of more than 155MW.

In addition to Ireland, innogy has entered other markets for renewables-based electricity generation: In Australia the company has recently commenced construction of a 349MWp solar plant and a first onshore wind project in the USA of more than 200MW is going to start next year.