SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland joined forces to commemorate the completion of the 30MW Lenalea wind farm with an official inauguration event held at the site in County Donegal, Ireland.
The event, graced by local politicians, community leaders, and representatives from the supply chain, marked a significant milestone for renewable energy development in the region.
Situated in the rural upland setting of central Donegal, approximately 10km southwest of Letterkenny, the wind farm represents a collaboration between SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland, with a total capital investment exceeding €40m.
Comprising seven Vestas V117-4.3 MW onshore turbines, the fully operational wind farm stands as a testament to Ireland's commitment to sustainable energy initiatives.
Under a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) with Microsoft, the renewable energy generated at Lenalea Wind Farm will contribute to Microsoft's ambitious goal of powering its data center operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, commended the project, stating, “Congratulations to all involved with Lenalea Wind Farm. Like all successful initiatives, it took leadership, partnership, and teamwork to bring the development to this stage.”
Construction of the wind farm commenced in May 2021, with full construction beginning in June 2022. The project, led by SSE Renewables, engaged numerous industry partners and regional contractors, creating 35 construction jobs at its peak, thereby bolstering the local economy.
Heather Donald, SSE Renewables' head of development & construction (GB & Ireland), expressed pride in the project's completion, stating, “We are grateful to the entire project team, as well as our industry partners and suppliers, for their dedication and expertise throughout the development.”
Mary Lynch, FuturEnergy Ireland portfolio director, emphasized Lenalea's positive impact on health, safety, and the environment, attributing its success to collaborative efforts with stakeholders.
