Orsted and FuturEnergy Ireland have received planning approval from An Bord Pleanala for the 121MW Coom Green Energy Park in County Cork. Situated near the Bottlehill waste facility, this onshore wind project has the capacity to supply power to about 80,000 homes, reducing carbon emissions by up to 150,000 tonnes annually.
The plans also include provisions for 50MW of energy storage. This venture, a 50:50 partnership between Orsted and FuturEnergy Ireland, has secured planning approval, and the next step involves seeking a grid connection from EirGrid.
Once the project’s network route is confirmed successfully, the site can participate in future RESS auctions or opt for power sales through CPPAs. With a potential operational date of 2027 pending a final investment decision, Coom Green Energy Park aims to significantly contribute to Ireland’s pre-2030 emissions reduction targets.
The developers highlight the project’s positive impact, including a community benefit fund of around €500,000 for the initial 15 years post-operation. Additionally, the local economy is expected to benefit from rates contributions and job creation, with up to 168 jobs during the construction phase and approximately 42 long-term positions once the wind farm becomes operational.
TJ Hunter, Orsted’s senior director for development and operations in UK & Ireland, commented “We’re excited to see Coom Green Energy Park receive planning approval as a significant and strategic infrastructure development.”
“With a capacity of 121MW, Coom represents a considerable investment by Orsted, and once completed, it will be our highest-output onshore wind farm in Ireland.”
“We’ve remained committed to this project throughout the two years and eleven months it’s taken to move through the An Bord Pleanála planning process and now look forward to partnering with FuturEnergy Ireland on developing this site, which will play its part in lowering the cost of electricity for Irish consumers.”
Mary Lynch, Portfolio director at FuturEnergy Ireland, said “The FuturEnergy Ireland team warmly welcomes the positive planning decision reached by An Bord Pleanála, which allows us to progress Coom Green Energy Park with our co-development partner Orsted into its next phase of development.”
“This will include working with the community to establish a community benefit fund committee made up of local people.”
“This project brings us another step closer to reaching Ireland’s climate action targets and making our energy security and independence a reality.”
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