• Fahy Beg Wind Farm, consists of 8 turbines up to 38MW
• Associated Community Benefit Fund could deliver over €3 million for local communities

RWE, a leader in renewable energy development and operations, has received planning permission for its Fahy Beg Wind Farm from An Bord Pleanála. The onshore wind farm is located in County Clare, 6km south west of Killaloe and 1.5km north of Bridgetown. The proposed 38MW, eight-turbine wind farm is located in an area comprising primarily agricultural and forestry land. The planning permission follows an extensive consultation period with local communities over a three-year period prior to planning.

RWE has a global commitment to achieve net-zero by 2040. Fahy Beg Wind Farm will go towards this goal and most importantly will help Ireland meet its Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP24) targets, of up to 80% electricity produced from renewables by 2030. These targets will require a doubling of the amount of onshore wind currently built in Ireland. While offshore wind will play a part, onshore wind is still fundamental to the decarbonisation of the electricity network in Ireland.

RWE is committed to supporting the establishment of local supply chain opportunities from its investments, including through the contracting of enabling, engineering and construction works – much of which will be sourced as locally as possible. RWE is also committed to working with the local communities it operates near and has in other countries established successful schemes to support local growth. Fahy Beg Wind Farm will establish a Community Benefit Fund that could deliver over €3 million in total benefits for local communities in the area. Once operational, the renewable facility will continue to support local businesses both through construction and operations and create local skilled job opportunities. In addition, the wind farm will pay significant annual rates to Clare County Council.

Clíona O’Sullivan, Head of Onshore Renewables Development (Wind, Solar and Storage) Ireland said “ The team is delighted to receive the news of the decision from An Bord Pleanála . The proposed Fahy Beg Wind Farm, at 38MW could produce enough green electricity to power up to 25,000 homes annually and displace thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. This development will contribute to the journey of delivering cheaper electricity, giving us greater energy security and helping Ireland to meet its challenging CAP24 climate change and decarbonisation targets.”

In its decision, An Bord Pleanála considered that “The proposed development would be in accordance with European, national, regional and local planning policy, would make a positive contribution to Irelands national strategic policy on renewable energy and its move to a low energy carbon future, would be acceptable in respect of its likely effects on the environment and its likely consequences for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

It continued to state that “the proposed development would be acceptable in terms of impact on the visual amenities and landscape character of the area, would not seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity, would be acceptable in terms of pedestrian and traffic safety, would not be prejudicial to public health and would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

RWE is aiming to establish itself as a key player in the Irish energy market with an expanding portfolio of projects in development and operation, including one onshore wind farm in Kerry and two battery storage facilities, in Monaghan and Dublin. RWE’s objective for Ireland is to grow its renewable energy business, where RWE will be a long-term energy partner for Ireland during the country’s energy transition to 2030 and beyond.