SSE Renewables, in partnership with its main contractors Farrans Construction, Suir Engineering, and Nordex Group, has completed construction of the 101MW Yellow River Wind Farm in Rhode, County Offaly.

The project, now fully operational, adds 29 new wind turbines to Ireland's renewable energy infrastructure.

Construction began in October 2022, with turbine delivery and installation commencing in December 2023. The first energisation took place in December 2024, followed by commissioning and testing through early 2025. The completion of planned grid upgrade works by EirGrid at the nearby Derryiron 110kV Transmission Station enabled the project to achieve a firm grid connection and move to full commercial operation.

At its peak, construction activity at Yellow River supported up to 150 full-time roles, accounting for around 400,000 recorded working hours across SSE employees and supply chain partners. Key works included the delivery of civil and electrical balance of plant infrastructure, turbine foundations, internal site roads, and grid connection works.

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The 29 Nordex N117/3600 turbines now generate clean, homegrown electricity equivalent to powering around 75,000 homes annually, while reducing nearly 70,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. All energy generated from the site has been contracted under a 16.5-year RESS 3 agreement with the Irish Government.

Speaking on the completion, Heather Donald, Director of Onshore Wind, Solar, Battery (GB & Ireland) at SSE Renewables, said: "We're delighted we've completed Yellow River Wind Farm and we're now generating homegrown clean energy from the Midlands for Irish energy consumers. Safely and efficiently completing the project after three years of construction is a fantastic achievement for our entire team and supply chain partners. We're also extremely grateful to Offaly County Council and other key local stakeholders for their support during construction."

The delivery of Yellow River forms part of SSE’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme (NZAP), through which the company is investing over €900 million in Irish renewable energy projects by 2027. The addition of 101MW at Yellow River brings SSE’s total onshore wind capacity in Ireland to 800MW across 32 operational sites.

A multi-million-euro community fund linked to the project will provide ongoing local benefits, supporting community groups, clubs, and regional initiatives throughout the lifetime of the wind farm.

Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director of SSE Renewables, added: "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."