Energy firm SSE to build new operations base in Rhode
Energy supplier SSE has announced plans for the construction of a new operations base at the Rhode Green Energy Park in Offaly.
SSE said the new facility is to be put in place to support its nearby 101MW Yellow River Wind Farm, and that it comes after the signing of a site agreement between the company, Offaly County Council and North Offaly Development Fund CLG.
According to the company, the planned operations base "marks the next step in SSE's investment in North Offaly, supporting the supply of clean, secure and affordable renewable energy from the Midlands to Irish homes and businesses".
The 29-turbine Yellow River Wind Farm entered operations last year and is connected to Ireland’s national grid via SSE's existing electricity substation at Rhode Green Energy Park.
The company said its new purpose-built operations base in Rhode is due to "provide a dedicated facility out of which up to six full-time skilled SSE and Nordex technicians will be based to oversee the daily operation of Yellow River's energy generation activities".
Glenturas Construction has been appointed to lead delivery of the facility, while family-owned fabricator Shanette in Kilbeggan, Westmeath, has been appointed to manufacture and deliver the new 285 sq metre steel-framed structure which will house the facility.
Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by the end of the year, SSE said.
Commenting on the project, Ghislain Demeuldre, head of onshore wind, solar and battery development at SSE Renewables, said: "Securing this site at Rhode Green Energy Park marks an important step in establishing a long-term operational presence for SSE in Offaly and the Midlands.
"As Yellow River Wind Farm continues to generate renewable electricity for homes and businesses across Ireland, this new facility will provide a dedicated base for the teams responsible for operating and maintaining the wind farm safely, efficiently and for the long term.
"We're pleased to continue working in partnership with Offaly County Council and the local community as renewable energy infrastructure in the region continues to grow."
Eugene Mulligan, Chairman of North Offaly Development Fund CLG, added: "The development of this operations hub is a real show of confidence in the park's future as a leader in sustainable energy production and storage and reinforces our commitment to establishing Rhode as a hub for cutting-edge, green innovation which supports co location opportunities for future employers in the area."
Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise with Offaly County Council, also expressed support for the project on behalf of the local authority.
"The development of SSE's new operations hub is a welcome investment and employment boost for the Green Energy Park in Rhode and the wider North Offaly area, which is the driving engine of Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions," said Ms Martin.
She added the development was reinforcing Rhode's position as "a leading location for renewable energy innovation" and was cementing Offaly's place "at the heart of Ireland's green transition".