RWE has committed to investing €50 billion gross through to 2030 to expand its green generation capacity to 50 GW, with up to €1.5 billion gross of that already earmarked for Ireland through current projects being developed.
The company has a clear goal and wants to be a long-term energy partner supporting the Irish government’s plans to transition to 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030. However, it says, in order to deliver this ambitious target, faster planning decisions and clear policy framework is required.
RWE is undertaking long-term investments in onshore wind, offshore wind and battery storage projects across Ireland with an objective to grow a renewables business across a portfolio of technologies.
RWE’s largest development project in Ireland is currently the Dublin Array offshore wind project, which it is developing in partnership with Saorgus Energy. The Dublin Array project will have between 45 and 61 wind turbines located on the Kish and Bray banks about 10 km from the coast of south Dublin and north Wicklow. Once fully operational, it will be capable of generating between 600 and 900 MWe.
RWE has an onshore windfarm at Dromadda Beg, near Listowel in Co Kerry, and an 8.5 MW battery storage facility at Balbriggan, in County Dublin, the company’s first such project in Europe. It has also developed a 60 MW battery at Lisdrumdoagh in County Monaghan.
Innovation in renewable technologies will be key to unlocking new markets, says RWE, which is developing an airborne wind energy generator at Bangor Erris, in County Mayo in partnership with Dutch company Ampyx Power. The technology will use a small, unmanned lightweight glider tethered to a generator on the ground.
