Overview
Raheenleagh Wind Farm is an operational onshore wind facility in Ireland, co-owned by Coillte and ESB, with a capacity of 36.5 MW.
Raheenleagh Wind Farm is an operational onshore wind facility located in Ireland, co-owned by Coillte and ESB. With a capacity of 36.5 MW, it contributes to Ireland's renewable energy portfolio, supporting national targets for clean electricity generation. The facility operates under Ireland's renewable energy framework, which is aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III, targeting 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. Onshore wind is a dominant technology in Ireland, benefiting from strong wind resources and supportive feed-in tariff schemes. The 36.5 MW capacity places Raheenleagh in the medium-scale category for Irish wind farms. Environmentally, the wind farm helps reduce carbon emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based generation. Its location in County Wicklow, near the coast, takes advantage of consistent wind patterns. The facility also contributes to local grid stability and supports Ireland's goal of achieving 80% renewable electricity by 2030.
Environmental context
Onshore wind farms like Raheenleagh are typically sited in areas with high wind speeds, such as coastal or upland regions. In Ireland, wind energy is a key component of the national strategy to decarbonize the electricity grid. While wind farms have visual and land-use impacts, they provide significant carbon savings and are generally well-regulated under Irish planning and environmental laws.
Frequently asked questions
Raheenleagh Wind Farm is located in County Wicklow, Ireland, near the coast at coordinates 52.7973, -6.3164.
Raheenleagh Wind Farm has a capacity of 36.5 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale onshore wind facility in Ireland.
Raheenleagh Wind Farm is co-owned by Coillte, the Irish state forestry company, and ESB, Ireland's electricity utility.
The wind farm contributes to Ireland's goal of 80% renewable electricity by 2030, aligned with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III which sets a 42.5% renewable energy target for 2030.
Onshore wind farms in Ireland must comply with planning regulations that address visual impact, noise, and effects on wildlife. They are subject to environmental impact assessments and are typically located in areas with high wind resources.