One of Ireland's newest wind farms, SSE's 101MW Yellow River wind farm in Rhode in Co Offaly, is now producing its first power after its connection and energisation onto the country's national grid by EirGrid.
29 turbines will now be tested over the coming months.
Once in operation the wind farm will be capable of powering the equivalent of 67,000 homes a year.
The electricity output from the wind farm will also help contribute to the country's 2030 renewable energy targets while delivering homegrown and secure clean power for Irish energy consumers.
All the wind farm's installed capacity has been contracted under a 16 and a half year RESS 3 contract for low carbon power from the Government.
SSE Renewables started construction of the Yellow River project in October 2022, with turbine deliveries and installation starting last December. At peak delivery, the project supported up to 150 full-time construction phase jobs.
Heather Donald, Director of Onshore Wind, Solar, Battery (GB & Ireland), for SSE Renewables said that teaching first power at Yellow River successfully delivers another 101MW of clean energy supply to help meet Ireland’s climate targets.
"We now look forward to working with our project partners to complete commissioning over the coming months, ahead of entering commercial operations in the months ahead and beginning production of secure, homegrown renewable energy supply for Irish homes and businesses," Ms Donald said.
Michael Mahon, the chief infrastructure officer with EirGrid, said that EirGrid’s successful energisation of Knockdrin 110kV substation, connecting Yellow River Wind Farm is another step towards decarbonising the Irish electricity grid.
"Ireland is fortunate with abundant renewable energy resources and harnessing these resources is critical in helping to meet our climate action targets. Achievements like this are only possible through close collaboration of stakeholders across the energy industry and we at EirGrid are proud to collaborate with stakeholders on the successful delivery of this project," he added.
