Bord na Móna has officially opened its Derrinlough Wind Farm in County Offaly, a 126-megawatt onshore wind development representing an investment of more than USD 163.5 million and marking one of the most significant additions to Ireland's renewable electricity infrastructure in recent years.

The wind farm was formally opened on 27 April by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien, TD. Electricity generated at the site will be sold under a corporate power purchase agreement between Bord na Móna and Amazon, providing a long-term commercial framework for the project's output.

Turbines on Former Bog Land

The Derrinlough Wind Farm is located on the former Clongawny and Drinagh bogs and consists of 21 Vestas V150 turbines, each with a capacity of 6.0 megawatts.

The site's conversion from peat harvesting land to renewable energy infrastructure reflects the broader strategic shift that Bord na Móna has pursued following the end of commercial peat extraction.

The development forms part of the company's wider pipeline of more than 5 gigawatts of wind, solar, and other renewable energy projects currently in development. Bord na Móna chief executive Tom Donnellan described Derrinlough as another milestone in that transformation.

"The opening of Derrinlough Wind Farm marks another important milestone in the delivery of Bord na Móna's renewable energy pipeline, which includes over 5GW of wind, solar, and other renewable energy projects currently in development," Donnellan said.

"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."

Donnellan also acknowledged the role of the Amazon power purchase agreement and credited local communities, suppliers, and the project team for their support through the development phase.

Amazon's Renewable Energy Alignment

Amazon Web Services Ireland country lead Niamh Gallagher said the Derrinlough project aligns with the company's renewable energy objectives and Ireland's broader climate goals.

"Expanding renewable energy generation is essential to supporting Ireland's transition to a low-carbon energy system and achieving its climate targets," she said. "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 Bord na Móna on a project that adds new carbon-free energy capacity to Ireland, strengthens grid stability, and brings benefits to local communities."

USD 13.08 Million Community Benefit Fund Launched

The opening of the wind farm coincided with the launch of the Derrinlough Community Benefit Fund, which is designed to deliver approximately USD 13.08 million to local communities over the lifetime of the project.

The fund is structured to support a wide range of initiatives, including community-led projects, near-neighbor supports that include contributions towards electricity bills, and scholarships for local students progressing to third-level education.

In its initial phase, more than USD 509030 has already been allocated. That funding has supported 22 local community projects and seven educational scholarships, alongside targeted assistance for households in close proximity to the development site.

Minister O'Brien welcomed the community dimension of the project alongside its energy contribution. "It is also encouraging to see developments like Derrinlough delivering wider benefits for local communities through funding supports and new recreational amenities," he said.

Public Amenities Integrated Into the Site

Beyond its energy generation function, the Derrinlough development includes a public amenity network spanning more than 24 kilometers of walking and cycling access across the site.

The network features accessible trails, three entry points from surrounding roads, and a dedicated sensory garden. The amenity infrastructure is intended to encourage outdoor recreation and improve local connectivity in the region.

National Targets and Energy Security

Minister O'Brien positioned the project within Ireland's national climate ambitions. "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," he said.

"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." The 126-megawatt capacity of the Derrinlough Wind Farm represents a meaningful increment to Ireland's onshore wind generation base.

The project is one of several being progressed by Bord na Móna as it builds out its renewable energy platform, with the company placing a growing emphasis on long-term community engagement alongside infrastructure delivery.

Donnellan underlined the dual value the company sees in projects of this kind. "Alongside the energy generated here, the development will deliver lasting value for local communities through a community benefit fund, near neighbor supports, scholarships, and new local amenities," he said.

Powering Your Pipeline: How Europe's Energy Sector Leaders Stay Ahead of Every Project

The race to secure meaningful positions in Europe's evolving power landscape has never been more competitive — and missing a single project milestone can mean losing ground to rivals who were simply better informed.

The Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research gives power sector professionals a structured, continuously updated view of project activity across Europe, from early-stage planning through to final completion. Whether you are monitoring grid expansion, renewables rollout, or conventional generation upgrades, the intelligence you need is consolidated in one place.

Teams working across Europe's power markets rely on this depth of coverage to prioritize outreach, align business development strategies, and respond to opportunities long before they become common knowledge.

• Upcoming Projects

• Tender Notices

• Contract Awards

• Projects Under Construction

• Completed Projects

See how the Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research can sharpen your competitive edge across Europe's power sector — Book a Free Demo with our team today.