SSE has completed the Yellow River Wind Farm in Rhode, County Offaly, marking Ireland's newest onshore wind facility with 101MW of generating capacity. The wind farm officially entered full commercial operation on October 8, 2025, following completion of planned upgrade works by EirGrid at the nearby Derryiron 110kV Transmission Station. The facility comprises 29 turbines and represents a significant addition to SSE's onshore wind energy portfolio in Ireland.

Each turbine underwent rigorous mechanical, electrical, and safety testing during the commissioning phase, prior to the project achieving full operational status.

Energy Generation and Environmental Impact

The Yellow River Wind Farm can generate enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of almost 75,000 Irish homes annually. The facility is expected to offset approximately 70,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually, contributing to Ireland's decarbonization efforts. The power generation calculations are based on the current typical annual household consumption of 4,200 kWh, as reported by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities as of November 2024.

The facility operates at a typical 35% capacity factor for RESS-3, supported by onshore wind. The carbon emission reductions are calculated based on expected annual output and the latest average CO2 emissions of 0.223g/kWh in the All-Island Single Electricity Market, as published in the Fuel Mix Disclosure and CO2 Emissions for 2023 by the SEM Committee in December 2024.

National Energy Milestones

The wind farm's completion contributed to Ireland achieving a significant milestone in its clean energy transition. The site's first energization helped Ireland reach 5GW of installed onshore wind capacity in January 2025, marking a major advancement in the country's renewable energy infrastructure. The project represents a significant step forward in supporting Ireland's Climate Action Plan and contributes to the country's 2030 renewable energy and decarbonization targets while enhancing energy security.

Construction and Economic Impact

SSE Renewables delivered the Yellow River Wind Farm project following three years of construction. The development provided a significant boost to the economy in Offaly and the surrounding region through construction employment and supply chain benefits during the building phase. Heather Donald, Director of Onshore Wind, Solar, Battery (GB & Ireland) for SSE Renewables, stated the completion was “a fantastic achievement for our entire team and supply chain partners.”

She expressed gratitude to Offaly County Council and other key local stakeholders for their support during construction. The site has now been successfully transferred to SSE's Onshore Wind Asset Management team for ongoing operations. Beyond its environmental and energy contributions, the wind farm brings lasting value to the local community through a substantial community benefit fund that will provide benefits to the region throughout the facility's operational lifespan.

Company Leadership Statements

Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director of SSE Renewables, emphasized the company's role in Ireland's energy transition. “SSE is working hard to turn Ireland's ambitions for climate action and energy security into reality, and the completion of the country's newest onshore wind farm at Yellow River is the latest demonstration of our commitment,” Wheeler said. Wheeler positioned SSE as “Ireland's clean energy champion” and outlined the company's readiness to collaborate with government, industry partners, and communities to accelerate Ireland's efforts to meet 2030 emissions targets and ensure energy security.

He highlighted SSE's broader renewable energy plans, including taking action to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy through the delivery of Ireland's next generation of onshore wind farms and progressing Arklow Bank 2 to help meet Ireland's offshore wind potential. The managing director emphasized the collaborative approach needed for Ireland's energy transition, stating, “Working together, we can power the change we need to deliver a renewables-led energy system for Ireland.”

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