Ørsted: Fighting climate change through renewable energy
Ørsted onshore in Ireland
The Ørsted onshore Ireland team are proud to develop, construct, and operate onshore wind farms, solar farms and energy storage facilities.
Based in Cork City, we have a team of over 100 people across the island. We have invested around €800 million in Ireland and operate 373 MW of power across 21 onshore wind farms.
With a lifecycle approach to development, we take our projects from inception through to operation and partner closely with communities to do so. We are delivery focused from the short to long term, and here we take a look at some of the projects we have in construction in 2025.
Garreenleen Solar Farm
Garreenleen Solar Farm is based 15km outside of Carlow town. Our first Irish solar project to enter construction, work began on the first phase of this development in summer 2024. This 81 MW phase will support the Irish power system to reduce its reliance on fossil fuel by providing indigenous generation to power up to 29,000 homes.
As part of the construction, the team is also installing the necessary grid infrastructure for phase two of the solar project which comprises a further 82 MW. It is an exciting time for solar energy as it begins to contribute significantly to Ireland's energy needs.
Ballinrea Solar Farm
Just a stone's throw from Ørsted's European onshore headquarters on Albert Quay, in Cork, is the company's second Irish solar farm — Ballinrea. This development is situated between Carrigaline and Cork City and once completed, the 55 MW project will produce enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of 16,000 homes. Ballinrea forms part of a very strong pipeline of projects in Co Cork for Ørsted that are currently in development.
Farranrory Wind Farm
With 21 operational wind farms across the island of Ireland, Ørsted is a key developer in the onshore wind sector. The latest wind development to enter construction is Farranrory Wind Farm, in Co Tipperary.
Farranrory marks Ørsted's third wind farm in Tipperary and the nine-turbine development will generate more than 43 MW of renewable energy; with the potential to power 25,000 Irish homes. Work is progressing at Farranrory, with grid connection works currently ongoing.
The first Sorne Hill wind farm, 9km east of Buncrana, Co Donegal, has 16 turbines with a capacity of 32MW. It has been operational since January 2006. Sorne No2 is under construction.
To prepare for the arrival of the turbines, we have been working on site to get elements such as foundations completed. In recent weeks, some of the blades and tower sections for the project have begun arriving in Bellview Port in Waterford, which is always a significant milestone for any project. Ireland is a world leader in onshore wind, and we are proud to be progressing this flagship project which will help to maintain this leadership position.
Working with communities
Our team plans, develops, constructs and operates wind and solar farms, and in each of the communities in which we work, we partner with the local community and build long and sustainable relations with these areas.
Because of this, we work closely with the locals living and working near our developments throughout the process. Our projects give back via Community Benefit Funds. We have funded astro turf pitches, community shops, vital equipment for community organisations and a wide variety of other projects in the areas in which we develop.
In our three projects mentioned above alone, there will be up to €650,000 worth of Community Benefit Funds available for allocation and we look forward to working with communities on this. For our team, collaboration is key, and we would not be able to do our work without the support and friendship of the communities in which we work.
Ørsted: Fighting Climate Change Through Renewable Energy
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