Leading renewable energy company RWE has earmarked €1.5bn for large-scale renewable energy projects in Ireland by 2030 as part of its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2040.
The German multinational, which has been operating in Ireland since 2016, said it would undertake long-term investments in onshore and offshore wind and battery storage projects with an objective to grow a renewables business across a portfolio of technologies.
The funding is part of a €50bn investment in the wider RWE group over the next eight years to increase "green generation" capacity to 50 gigawatts, and RWE Ireland country chair Cathal Hennessy prodded the government to better facilitate the green transition.
"RWE sees very significant potential for our operations in Ireland and we are keen to grow our business in the market, we have the international experience and expertise to deliver large-scale renewable projects and would like to support the Irish government to deliver its Net Zero ambitions," Hennessy said.
"Renewable energy can help Ireland meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets and will also play a key role in delivering energy security for the Irish economy. But this will only happen if the correct policy frameworks are in place and adequate resources are available within key areas such as planning and energy provision.”
In Association with
RWE's Irish projects include the Dromadda Beg and Cloghaneleskirt wind farms in Co Kerry; the Lyrenacarriga wind farm in Co Waterford, part of a joint venture with Highfield Energy, and battery storage facilities in Balbriggan, Co Dublin and Lisdrumdoagh, Co Monaghan that can power 125,000 homes combined.
RWE is developing the Dublin Array offshore wind project as part of a joint venture Saorgus Energy, which will comprise of 45-61 wind turbines located on the Kish and Bray banks around 10km from the Dublin and Wicklow coasts, with a capacity of 600-900 megawatts.
The Kilkenny- and Dún Laoghaire-based firm is also developing airborne wind energy at Bangor Erris, Co Mayo in partnership with Dutch company Ampyx Power, using a small, unmanned lightweight glider tethered to a generator on the ground.
Figures show RWE Renewables Ireland made a total loss of €2.6m and employed 12 people in 2020. RWE internationally has a total of approximately 41 gigawatts of generating capacity and employs some 20,000 people.
RWE's Dromadda Beg wind farm in Co Kerry. (Pic: RWE)
