BnM opens Derrinlough wind farm
BnM’s Derrinlough Wind Farm in Offaly has been officially opened. The development marks a significant addition to BnM’s operational renewable energy portfolio and wider 5GW development pipeline across wind, solar and biomass – contributing to Ireland’s renewable energy infrastructure and supporting its transition to a low-carbon economy. BnM and Amazon have agreed on a corporate power purchase agreement connected to the project.
Located on Clongawny and Drinagh bogs, Derrinlough Wind Farm comprises 21 V150-6.0MW turbines with an installed capacity of 126MW. Representing an investment of over €150 million, the project marks a substantial contribution to supporting Ireland’s climate and renewable energy targets.
As part of the project, BnM has established the Derrinlough Community Benefit Fund, which will deliver approximately €12 million in funding to the local community over the lifetime of the wind farm.
The community benefit fund will include funding for local community projects, dedicated near neighbour supports, providing contributions towards electricity bills, as well as scholarships for local students attending third-level education, delivering tangible and lasting benefits for local communities neighbouring the wind farm.
In its initial phase, over €467,000 has been committed in funding for community projects, educational scholarships and near neighbour supports. This includes funding for 22 local community projects as well as 7 educational scholarships.
BnM has also developed over 24 kilometres of amenity access across the Derrinlough site, now open to the public for walking and cycling. This includes a network of accessible trails, three entry points from the surrounding road network, as well as a dedicated sensory garden, creating inclusive recreational opportunities while enhancing connectivity and access for local communities.
Tom Donnellan, CEO of BnM, said: “The opening of Derrinlough Wind Farm marks another important milestone in the delivery of BnM’s renewable energy pipeline, which includes over 5GW of wind, solar and other renewable energy projects currently in development. 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… 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.”
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