€150m windfarm on Midlands bog to drive energy for Amazon data centres

Derrinlough Wind Farm part of Bord na Mona plan to deliver 5GW of renewable energy projects

A €150m windfarm project opened on a bog in Co Offaly on Monday will be able to provide renewable energy for Amazon to develop data centres in the Midlands.

A €150m windfarm project opened on a bog in Co Offaly on Monday will be able to provide renewable energy for Amazon to develop data centres in the Midlands.

The Bord na Mona Derrinlough Wind Farm was officially opened by climate, energy, and environment minister Darragh O’Brien. Bord na Mona and Amazon Web Services have agreed on a corporate power purchase agreement connected to the project. which comprises 21 turbines with an installed capacity of 126MW. 

“Expanding renewable energy generation is essential to supporting Ireland's transition to a low-carbon energy system and achieving its climate targets. Projects like Derrinlough Wind Farm show how investment can increase the availability of locally generated carbon-free electricity on the grid while supporting greater energy security. We are pleased to work with BnM on a project that adds new carbon-free energy capacity to Ireland, strengthens grid stability, and brings benefits to local communities," said Amazon Web Services country lead Niamh Gallagher.

Bord na Mona chief executive Tom Donnellan said the opening of Derrinlough Wind Farm marks an important milestone in the delivery of BnM’s renewable energy pipeline, which includes over 5GW of wind, solar and other renewable energy projects currently in development. "As we continue to scale our renewable energy portfolio, projects like Derrinlough will play an important role in supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon energy system."

As part of the project, BnM has established the Derrinlough Community Benefit Fund, which will deliver €12m in funding to the local community over the lifetime of the wind farm. BnM has also developed over 24 kilometres of amenity access across the Derrinlough site, now open to the public for walking and cycling.  

“Derrinlough Wind Farm represents an important addition to Ireland’s renewable energy infrastructure and supports our ambition to significantly increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources. Projects of this scale play a vital role in helping Ireland meet its climate targets while strengthening the resilience and sustainability of our energy system," said Mr O'Brien.