Plans were announced for an upgrade to the Kilvinane Wind Farm in Ireland, which will produce clean energy for the National Grid.

Ameresco, Inc., an energy solutions provider, announced that its Irish subsidiary, Cork Sustainable Energy Limited (CSEL), secured approval from An Bord Pleanála for a significant upgrade to the Kilvinane Wind Farm. CSEL manages Kilvinane Wind Farm, located 8km east of Dunmanway, County Cork, which comprises three turbines. The wind farm has the capability to produce approximately 8,500 MWh of energy annually and will supply power to the National Grid.

This approval marks an important step in enhancing Ireland’s renewable energy infrastructure.

The wind farm will contribute to Ireland’s renewable energy targets as the second largest producer of wind energy in the world in terms of the share of electricity provided by wind energy.

An Bord Pleanála, an Ireland’s national independent planning body that decides appeals on planning decisions, approved the wind farm upgrade, since it was designed to ensure consistency with the character of the structure and neighboring structures. This decision provides greater clarity and certainty for wind farm operators and planning authorities regarding the planning implications of routine maintenance activities.

“The upgrade will ensure the efficient operation of the wind farm and contribute to Ireland’s ambitious renewable energy targets, providing cleaner energy to thousands of homes and businesses,” said Mark Apsey MBE, Senior Vice President, UK and Ireland, at Ameresco, in a statement. “This decision provides clarity and certainty for wind farm operators in Ireland, and we are excited to move forward with our turbine upgrades.”