Overview
Meentycat is an operational onshore wind farm in Ireland, owned by SSE Renewables. With a capacity of 72 MW, it contributes to Ireland's renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Meentycat is an operational onshore wind farm located in Ireland, owned and developed by SSE Renewables. The facility has a capacity of 72 megawatts (MW), positioning it as a medium-scale wind energy project within the Irish renewable energy landscape. Ireland's wind energy sector is a key component of the country's strategy to meet EU renewable energy targets, supported by the Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413) which sets a 42.5% renewable energy target by 2030. The wind farm utilizes modern onshore wind turbine technology to convert wind energy into electricity. Typical installations in Ireland feature turbines with capacities between 2-4 MW each. The facility operates under Ireland's Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS), which provides feed-in tariffs and auction mechanisms to incentivize renewable energy generation. This regulatory framework has driven significant wind capacity additions across the country. Meentycat plays a role in Ireland's transition to a low-carbon energy system by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Wind energy in Ireland benefits from strong Atlantic winds, making it one of the most suitable regions for wind power in Europe. The facility's output feeds into the national grid, supporting Ireland's goal of achieving 80% renewable electricity by 2030. Its operational status contributes to long-term energy security and emissions reduction.
Environmental context
Onshore wind farms like Meentycat can have visual impacts on the landscape and may affect local bird and bat populations through collision risks. However, Ireland's stringent environmental impact assessment processes and mitigation measures, such as turbine siting and curtailment during migration periods, help minimize these effects. The facility's location in a windy region maximizes energy generation while balancing ecological considerations.
Frequently asked questions
Meentycat wind farm is located in Ireland, with coordinates approximately 54.87° N, -7.86° W. It is an onshore wind facility operated by SSE Renewables.
Meentycat wind farm has a total installed capacity of 72 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale wind energy project in Ireland.
Meentycat wind farm is owned by SSE Renewables, a leading developer and operator of renewable energy projects in Ireland and the UK.
Wind energy in Ireland is supported by the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS), which provides feed-in tariffs and auctions, aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III targeting 42.5% renewable energy by 2030.
Meentycat contributes to Ireland's goal of 80% renewable electricity by 2030 by generating clean wind power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting national climate commitments under the EU directive.