126MW Bord na Móna project backed by Amazon PPA adds major new renewable capacity and introduces €12m community fund.
A major new renewable energy project has come on stream in the Midlands following the official opening of Bord na Móna’s Derrinlough Wind Farm in Co Offaly
Officially opened today (27 April) by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien, TD, the 126MW onshore wind development represents an investment of more than €150 million.
“As we continue to scale our renewable energy portfolio, projects like Derrinlough will play an important role in supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon energy system”
The wind farm forms part of Bord na Móna’s expanding renewable energy portfolio and its wider 5GW development pipeline across wind, solar and biomass.
Electricity generated at Derrinlough will be supported by a corporate power purchase agreement agreed between Bord na Móna and Amazon.
Located on the former Clongawny and Drinagh bogs, the wind farm consists of 21 Vestas V150 turbines, each with a capacity of 6.0MW. The project makes a significant contribution to Ireland’s renewable electricity capacity and supports national targets for decarbonisation and energy security.
Community fund
The opening also marks the launch of the Derrinlough Community Benefit Fund, which will deliver approximately €12 million to local communities over the lifetime of the project. The fund is designed to support a wide range of initiatives, including community-led projects, near neighbour supports with contributions towards electricity bills, and scholarships for local students progressing to third-level education.
In its initial phase, more than €467,000 has already been allocated, supporting 22 local community projects and seven educational scholarships, alongside targeted assistance for households neighbouring the development.
The project includes a public amenity element, with more than 24 kilometres of walking and cycling access developed across the site. The network features accessible trails, three entry points from surrounding roads and a dedicated sensory garden, aimed at encouraging outdoor recreation and improving local connectivity.
Opening the wind farm, Minister O’Brien said the development highlighted the role large-scale projects play in meeting Ireland’s climate ambitions.
“Derrinlough Wind Farm represents an important addition to Ireland’s renewable energy infrastructure and supports our ambition to significantly increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources,” he said.
“Projects of this scale play a vital role in helping Ireland meet its climate targets while strengthening the resilience and sustainability of our energy system. It is also encouraging to see developments like Derrinlough delivering wider benefits for local communities through funding supports and new recreational amenities.”
Renewable energy business transformation
Bord na Móna chief executive Tom Donnellan described the project as a further step in the company’s transformation into a renewable energy business.
“The opening of Derrinlough Wind Farm marks another important milestone in the delivery of Bord na Móna’s renewable energy pipeline, which includes over 5GW of wind, solar and other renewable energy projects currently in development,” he said.
“As we continue to scale our renewable energy portfolio, projects like Derrinlough will play an important role in supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.”
Donnellan also welcomed the agreement with Amazon and acknowledged the contribution of local stakeholders.
“We welcome the corporate power purchase agreement with Amazon. We would also like to extend our thanks to the local community, suppliers and project team for their support throughout the development phase of the wind farm,” he said.
“Alongside the energy generated here, the development will deliver lasting value for local communities through a community benefit fund, near neighbour supports, scholarships and new local amenities.”
Amazon Web Services Ireland country lead Niamh Gallagher said the project aligns with the company’s renewable energy objectives and Ireland’s broader climate goals.
“Expanding renewable energy generation is essential to supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon energy system and achieving its climate targets,” she said.
“Projects like Derrinlough Wind Farm show how investment can increase the availability of locally generated carbon-free electricity on the grid while supporting greater energy security. We are pleased to work with Bord na Móna on a project that adds new carbon-free energy capacity to Ireland, strengthens grid stability, and brings benefits to local communities.”
The Derrinlough development is one of several projects being progressed by Bord na Móna as it builds out its renewable energy platform following the end of peat harvesting, with a growing focus on long-term community engagement alongside infrastructure delivery.
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