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As part of the expansion of its renewable strategy, German energy company Innogy SE has made a move into a new market with the opening of its first windfarm in Ireland.
The Dromadda Beg farm is a three-turbine site with a 10.2 megawatt capacity in County Kerry, in the southwest of the Republic of Ireland. Innogy said the construction of the site “sets the scene” for further ambition in Ireland.
The opening yesterday (10 April) follows soon after completion of some of Innogy’s other renewable operations including the 32MW Mynydd y Gwair onshore windfarm in Wales. Innogy said it also plans to start operations in “due course” for the 26MW Bad á Cheo windfarm in Scotland.
Innogy said it has a current development portfolio in Ireland of around 800MW. The company has taken the lead on developing the Dublin Array offshore project, a planned 600MW farm off the Dublin coast. Partnered with Saorgus Energy, technical studies are being carried out to help progress the development through to planning consent.
Hans Bünting, chief operating officer for renewables at Innogy SE: “I am pleased to officially open Dromadda Beg windfarm – our first project in Ireland. These three wind turbines are the proof that our decision for the Irish market entrance three years ago was the right one. We plan further long-term investments in this promising wind market, supporting the Irish government to achieve its climate change and renewable energy targets.”
Innogy, which owns Npower, is considering alternative options for the retail company after its failed merger with SSE’s retail arm.
Meanwhile the Competition and Markets Authority recently launched an investigation into the planned European asset swap deal between Innogy’s parent company RWE and Eon.
The probe will examine whether the transaction will likely lead to a “substantial lessening of competition” in the UK energy market.
According to the terms of the deal announced in March 2018, RWE will exchange its 76.8 per cent stake in Innogy for a 16.7 per cent stake in Eon, as well as Eon’s renewable portfolio and €1.5 billion in cash. Innogy’s renewable division will be returned to RWE.
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